Burness Paull LLP

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• ‘Burness Paull's family law team is a breath of fresh air within the legal profession, taking a personal and conciliatory approach to family matters. They try at all times to reduce stress and promote open dialogue. However when matters do unfortunately progress to court you can rely on a calm, professional and measured approach to litigation.'

• ‘Richard Smith is an empathetic listener and has a calming effect on all of those around him, he is a very skilled negotiator and a master tactician. Richard is able to get through reams of work in short order and is able to provide much needed perspective in times of stress.'

• ‘Jennifer Wilkie is straightforward, sympathetic, steely and clever, it may not be usual but she also manages to make me laugh which in my case is a huge relief. Her advice to me has been clear and practical, and the way she has delt with the other side is steely and reasonable. I don't think you can ask a lawyer for more. Neither she nor her team waste time, and most importantly will gently, or if gently doesn't work, sternly stop a client obsessing on a long held marital grudge which bears no relevance to the weeds of a divorce.'

• ‘I have always admired Richard Smith, for his calm and effective approach. My more recent experience has been with Jen Wilkie, who was outstanding. Senior Associate David Coutts was also great to work with. The speed at which problems were addressed and resolved was highly impressive.’

• 'Jennifer Wilkie is very good in large and difficult cases. Recently acted in one with company valuation in excess of £30M. Managed the information very well. Co-ordinated the team involved in the case from other solicitors in the firm, various experts and counsel. Her input was invaluable.'

• ‘This is a cohesive team of individuals, all of whom have excellent knowledge of family law and its varying aspects. They work in a supportive manner, backing one and other up when required. That allows for consistency in the level of service being given. A smaller team, they still manage a diverse case load, and all work extremely hard.’

• ‘Richard Smith is a thoughtful lawyer who keeps his client's best interests at the forefront when running cases. He works to resolve problems in a pragmatic and responsible manner, often seeking ways to effect a compromise in an imaginative way, without acting to the detriment of his client.'

• 'Nilah Ulhaq is a more junior member of the team but has excellent organisational skills, and has started to develop very good advocacy skills.’

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