Alan Barr quickly piqued our interest because of his multiple accolades, including being ranked in the Legal 500 UK 2024 Hall of Fame. However, what cemented our confidence in his expertise was when we discovered that he’s an active lecturer in tax at Edinburgh University.

His experience spans 30 years and counting, with a focus on trust disputes, personal tax and compliance, tax implications, and will planning.

We also reached out to his current clients, and the consensus we’ve gathered was that Barr was easy to reach remotely. Some clients have noted that their queries were promptly answered and their calls were almost always picked up, regardless of the time.

Furthermore, we noticed that his clients mainly consisted of well-established professionals—in fact, he’s been branded as the go-to lawyer in the legal and wealth-planning field.

Our only gripe is his expensive rates. Naturally, this is expected, but we didn’t like how Brodies LLP charges for initial consultations.

Provided a no-stress service

“Brodies provided a no-stress service. From the initial and excellent first contact, invitations to attend to discuss my issues, and their professional resolution, Brodies were outstanding. 

I like a no-nonsense approach, with facts and no flannel, and expedience with outstanding service – and of course value for money. My solicitor was Hannah Ferguson, utterly delightful, very proficient and diligent. 

I was kept up to date with issues, and advice was consistently on the mark (with lots of pre-emptive advice to stop future problems, which thankfully it did). Documents were drafted professionally and swiftly.

Hannah and her colleagues took the time to answer questions and explain things at my pace. I felt entirely supported and reassuringly calm throughout. Around 10 weeks to sort out my contracts, arrange a sale/buy conveyancing, get everything lodged and paid for. 

I’m very happy to recommend Brodies (and Hannah). So pleased, I’ll be going back to get LPAs and Wills in place too. Thank you so much for my peace of mind. ”

John Misquitta, Google Review

Helpful staff

“Very friendly – helpful staff – thoroughly enjoyed it!”

Dorothy Anderson, Google Review

Martin Campbell was suggested to us by a friend who recently set up a trust. He highlighted how Campbell’s constant updates throughout the process and pleasing personality made the process worry-free, which was enough to make us take a closer look.

One of the things we immediately noticed was Campbell’s wide area of expertise, including will planning, wealth management, and tax planning. We interviewed his property owner clients, and they told us how Campbell catered to their compliance and planning needs with ease.

We also appreciate how Martin Campbell treats his clients as individuals by offering tailor-fit asset protection advice. For instance, clients who sought help in succession planning highlighted Campbell’s attentiveness during their consultations.

Lastly, our confidence in his expertise was reinforced when we discovered that he was accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in private client tax.

The only downside we noticed was that he mostly catered to high-net-worth individuals, which means that his rates are on the steeper side.

Would have no hesitation using them again

“We used AS most recently as our conveyancing solicitors for the sale of my late father-in-law’s house, having previously used them in similar matters, both on the purchase and sale side. 

Throughout our experiences with the property team, they have consistently kept us informed on progress and handled things most professionally. Would have no hesitation in using them again in the future.”

Allan Jackson, Google Review

Ooze experience and confidence

“Efficient and courteous team. Rapid responses to our many emails. They know the market well and so pitched the price perfectly. Organising the viewings was done well with excellent communication with the seller. 

And our anxieties were handled sympathetically! They ooze experience and confidence.”

Keith Russel, Google Review

Sharon Fleming was one of our top candidates due to her impressive track record, despite her relatively young experience in the field. In less than 15 years, she has already built quite a trustworthy reputation with her clients, offering personable services for private client matters.

Previous clients have highlighted her approachable personality during consultations, resulting in a much beginner-friendly experience. She’s also praised for her great communication skills, which she showcases by offering constant updates and being accessible via her channels.

She’s also available for in-person consultations based on what we’ve gathered from previous clients. They highlighted how easy it was to set up a meeting with her, provided that she’s notified at least 24 hours before.

We also like how she covers a wide array of tax matters, including planning and asset protection. During our interviews, we discovered that her inheritance tax planning service was seamless because of her expertise.

Truly grateful

“We are truly grateful to Drummond Miller Edinburgh, especially Anna and her dedicated team, for their outstanding support with two important immigration cases in our family.

Anna was very precise and strict about the documents and requirements, which gave us full confidence that everything was being done properly. Her professionalism and attention to detail played a key role in achieving the results we hoped for.

Thanks to her guidance, my husband’s partner visa application was successful, and we also received valuable support during my sister’s settlement case appeal. Throughout both processes, Anna and her team were clear, supportive, and highly efficient.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Drummond Miller to anyone needing immigration legal advice — their expertise, honesty, and care truly stand out. Thank you again to Anna and the whole team!”

Betty Peto, Google Review

Genuinely cares and delivers

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the amazing attorney Gaby for everything she did for me throughout my immigration journey. 

She was more than just a lawyer — she was a true support system, a sincere and dedicated professional who treated my case as if it were her own.

Thanks to her guidance and commitment, the entire process went smoothly and successfully, and I felt confident and reassured every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares and delivers with the highest level of professionalism, Gaby is the one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart — I will never forget what you did for me.”

Sief Aburub, Google Review

Linsey Dagger is the head of this firm’s Personal Law, lending her expertise on wills and estate planning, mortgages, trusts, insurance, and of course, tax. 

One branch that caught our attention was the inheritance tax. As someone who recently had a deceased relative, it’s a bittersweet feeling to discover that we could’ve lessened our tax liability.

We also reached out to her clients, and one of the most common things brought up was her communication skills. They appreciated how Linsey was able to walk them through the complexities of tax compliance patiently and clearly.

Also, one thing we like about Linsey Dagger and Gibson Kerr Family Law is their transparency. For instance, they’re open about having a fixed rate of £295 (at the time of writing) for both family and personal law consultations. 

The only thing the firm could improve is its responsiveness, more particularly, from its mobile and online channels. Some clients have noted that the firm may take a couple of days to respond via email.

Courteous and friendly

“Family member did not leave a will. Gibson Kerr made sure all laws were explained and followed so there would be no hiccups or problems that could crop up. 

They were courteous and friendly, and our family have used them again and will continue our services with them when needed.”

Jacky Walls, Google Review

I wholeheartedly recommend them

“After the sudden death of a relative when I unexpectedly became sole Executor of their Estate, Gibson Kerr has since been handling both the Estate and the sale of two properties. I have found them to be sensitive to the situation, listening and acting on our requirements. 

Despite the sale of the second property taking some twists and turns, the staff at Gibson Kerr always kept me informed, asked what I wanted and gave advice to reassure me. I wholeheartedly recommend them – friendly, efficient and there for you whatever the situation!”

Suzanne Lofthus, Google Review

Jack Kerr was recommended to us when we reached out to Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP regarding inheritance tax. From what we’ve gathered, Kerr is a reputable tax lawyer who offers personalised advice depending on their clients’ needs.

We also interviewed his previous clients, and they highlighted his attentiveness during their conversations. Furthermore, they noticed how well-spoken Kerr was, allowing them to digest the complexities of inheritance tax as well as tax liability.

Clients also noted Kerr’s pleasing personality, often adding a touch of lightheartedness to consultations. Discovering this approach made us connect the dots to why the firm boasts being “not complex”.

Moreover, we appreciate Kerr’s diversity, which offers expertise in matters such as the preparation of wills and powers of attorney.

However, high-quality services like these don’t come cheap, and unfortunately, that’s the biggest downside to choosing this lawyer. However, we do want to note that clients have reiterated that they don’t regret spending their money on Kerr.

Felt confident and supported 

“I received a swift and reassuring response to my issue. I felt confident and supported by the clear professional advice and competence. I thoroughly recommend.”

Robert McKay, Google Review

I would highly recommend

“Morton-Fraser provided an excellent service, providing quality legal advice leading to a successful resolution and agreement. I would highly recommend.”

Stephen Rea, Google Review