United Kingdom - Scotland • Private client
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP's family law practice was set up by accredited family law specialist and mediator Richard Smith, who now heads the practice, and Jennifer Wilkie, who has particular strength in divorce and pre-nuptial agreements with international elements, upon joining the firm from Brodies LLP in February 2022. The team handles a wide range of divorce and asset protection matters, including cross-border instructions. Other key members include senior associate and qualified trauma-informed lawyer David Coutts, who is dual accredited in family and child law, and solicitor Nilah Ulhaq, who regularly represents clients in the Court of Session.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Smith is an incredibly experienced family law practitioner. He's bright and no nonsense. He fights his client's corner ferociously where appropriate; he is pragmatic and thinks outside the box.'
- 'Jennifer Wilkie is an excellent lawyer.’
‘The team was very dedicated and showed great attention to detail right from the start. With their wealth of experience in the field, I knew I was in extremely capable hands, and they achieved an excellent result.’
‘Richard Smith's approach was methodical, analytical, compassionate and empathetic. He provided guidance and reassurance at every step of the way. Nilah Ulhaq was also extremely capable, highly efficient, reassuring and compassionate. They always updated me immediately with any new developments and explained everything thoroughly. They filled me with the utmost confidence.’
‘Jennifer Wilkie is a true example of a contemporary lawyer: not only is she highly knowledgeable, with excellent communicative and interpersonal skills, but also compassionate, assertive and creative.’
‘I have always admired Richard Smith for his calm good sense and overall competence. He and Nilah Ulhaq make a good team.’
‘Richard Smith - without doubt one of the best family lawyers in Scotland. He has a fantastic reputation. He can manage complex cases. He is all over the detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. Jennifer Wilkie is fantastic. She has a great focus on the detail, and her preparation is second to none. David Coutts is a great all-rounder in terms of matrimonial finance and children cases.'
- 'Nilah Ulhaq is very impressive and will be one to watch in the years ahead. She is far more able than her years of experience would suggest. She works closely with Richard and has been a pleasure to work with. Really very good.’
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Smith