Leveraging strong expertise in personal tax and trust matters, Harper Macleod LLP showcases ‘exceptional knowledge’ in matters concerning protection of assets and inheritance tax. The team also regularly advises on operating structures and family succession mandates. Accredited asset protection expert Pamela Niven leads the team, supported by Jacqueline Leslie, Julie Doncaster, and Leigh Beirne. Other key contacts in the group include Kathleen Martin and Lindsay MacEwen, who assist with executry administration of cross-border cases and personal injury trust preparation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Lindsay MacEwen has great intelligence and knowledge, wrapped in a gentle and caring approach.’

  • ‘A very friendly, approachable and helpful team. They conduct themselves in an open and professional manner, while offering the highest level of expertise and support to their clients.' 

  • ‘Pamela Niven is very personable and technically excellent, and despite having a busy team to run, she always finds time to speak with me if I need her assistance with anything.'

  • 'Lindsay MacEwen is a constant source of support for me and my clients. Nothing is too much work and she gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Lindsay has a very high level of expertise and I have always been impressed with her technical knowledge.’
  • ‘The unique blend of professionalism and approachability, along with the ability to quickly understand and empathise with clients.’

  • ‘Jacqueline Leslie has a long term commitment to private client and trustee client service.’

  • ‘My main dealings are with Pamela Niven and Kathleen Martin, and what I appreciate is that they really take the time to get to know the client and understand their circumstances and objectives. They also work in a very dynamic and collaborative manner to achieve the optimal solution for our clients.’

  • ‘Julie Doncaster demonstrates a great amount of technical knowledge, whilst providing a very personal and individual service to clients. We feel comfortable when we know our clients are dealing with Julie on any tax, trust or estate planning matters.’

Work highlights

  • Advising high net worth client on private client and tax matters including asset portfolios, cross-border and domicile issues.
  • Providing bespoke succession and inheritance tax planning advice in relation to farming and crofting client, with a view to maintaining business continuity, planning for future generations and mitigating inheritance tax.
  • Advising client on all aspects of trust law, from creation to the ongoing administration and eventual wind up of trusts, as well as the taxation of trusts.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Pamela Niven

Other key lawyers

Jacqueline Leslie, Julie Doncaster, Leigh Beirne, Kathleen Martin, Lindsay MacEwen