Independent full-service Scottish law firm Thorntons has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of two new partners, one an internal promotion and the other a lateral hire.
Rachel Anderson, based in St Andrews, is promoted to private client partner and Jennifer Gallagher joins the firm’s Dundee team as a family law partner.
Their appointments are part of Thorntons’ ongoing investment in its legal services for life and for business and brings the total number of partners at the growing firm to 72.
Jennifer is a highly respected legal professional with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in family law, child law, and family mediation. She began her legal journey in general practice across Glasgow and Lanarkshire, before pursuing her passion for family law and training as a mediator and collaborative lawyer.
Since relocating to Fife 15 years ago, Jennifer has continued her impactful work in family law, first with Blackadders as an associate and then partner, and subsequently joining Lindsays in 2015.
Accredited as a specialist in family law, child law, and family mediation by the Law Society of Scotland, Jennifer advises on a wide range of issues, including divorce, financial settlements, child-related disputes, and adoption. She is also a trusted child welfare reporter for Dundee Sheriff Court and has been a safe-guarder for children’s hearings as well as a child welfare reporter in Lanark Sheriff Court. A member of non-profit organisation Calm Mediation’s convenor group for training new mediators, she has previously acted as Chair of the Family Law Association.
Rachel joined Thorntons 10 years ago as a trainee solicitor and her promotion reflects her dedication to the firm and its confidence in her expertise.
Working for clients across Fife and Dundee, she advises individuals and families on a range of personal issues including the drafting of Wills and Powers of Attorney, Executry and Trust administration. She has a particular interest in advising high-net-worth individuals on estate planning and handling cross-border estate issues.
Rachel is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), having completed the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates (Scotland) and the Advanced Certificate on UK Tax for International Clients. Currently pursuing the STEP Post Graduate Diploma in Private Wealth Advice, she has distinguished herself as the sole Scottish solicitor in her cohort. Her specialist training and membership in STEP underscore her depth of knowledge in complex trust and estate matters.
Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to the firm. She is quite simply one of the most renowned family law professionals in the country and her move to Thorntons is testament to our outstanding reputation in this highly sensitive discipline. She will be a fantastic addition to our dedicated team, who guide clients through some of the most difficult and delicate challenges they will face in their lives.
“It has been wonderful to see Rachel rise through the firm from trainee to partner. She has built a deep knowledge of the intricacies of estate planning and is now among Scotland’s leading experts in the cross-border issues that affect high net worth individuals. Her promotion showcases our commitment to develop and promote talent within the business.
“I am confident both Jennifer and Rachel will be inspiring additions to our partnership and would encourage senior legal professionals interested in our partner offering to come and talk to us.”
Thorntons operates 14 offices across Scotland, from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness to St Andrews, Arbroath and Perth. It has seven accredited family law specialists, nine qualified mediation solicitors providing alternatives to court, and is ranked for family law and private client by legal directory Chambers & Partners.
