OUR TEAM
Paula is head of the entrepreneurial team specialising in advising entrepreneurs on all legal aspects of their business. Her personal specialism is advising entrepreneurs on corporate transactions such as equity investments, acquisitions/disposals and restructures. She works with businesses at all stages of their life cycle – from inception of idea to funding to exit. Paula previously worked in-house at a venture capitalist and within the investment team at Scottish Investment Bank. Her team completed over 180 transactions over the past 3 years, a mixture of equity investments and M&A transactions. You can review some of the deals Paula and her team have been involved in our corporate dealmakers magazine.
Paula is a “Ranked Lawyer” in corporate law in Scotland where she is described as having “a particular specialism in advising start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors.” She is recognised for her expertise in equity crowdfunding, and a market insider reports: “Paula is an excellent, commercially aware and very responsive lawyer who is one of my most trusted advisers.” (Chambers UK). The Legal 500 regards her as a “Next Generation Partner” in Corporate & Commercial. The Lawyer magazine previously listed her in the Hot 100 of Lawyers across the UK (the only lawyer from a Scottish firm to be listed that year).
Paula has in the past participated in an entrepreneurship course by Babson College at the University of Strathclyde.
"Paula is very strong and a pleasure to work with."
"Paula is one of the best I've worked with. She's commercial, responsive and trusted."
"Paula Skinner provides honest, open advice from a bright, experienced individual."
"I received thoroughly professional service from Harper Macleod throughout the process of selling my business. Paula and Molly were both excellent to deal with, and I was delighted not only with the level of service but also with the speed of their response in what was a very fast-track process. Thank you both!"
"Despite a convoluted company structure our needs were understood quickly. A solution was devised quickly without over-complicating the issue. We're very happy with the service from Harper Macleod and thank you to Molly and Paula for the effort they have put in."
"Paula is highly intelligent and highly responsive. I wouldn't go to anyone else."
"Paula provides an excellent level of service that is clearly developed from her many years of experience."
"Paula runs a great team. She is commercially savvy, directly insightful and provides solutions to our challenges."
"We can rely on Paula to have the knowledge and efficiency that we need."
"Paula is an excellent, commercially aware and very responsive lawyer who is one of my most trusted advisers."
"I primarily work with Jo Nisbet and Paula Skinner and value their wise counsel, attention to detail and support in all aspects of our work."