Changes at Patience and Buchan

One of Scotland’s leading family law solicitors has decided to change his role after almost 39 years in the legal profession. Iain Patience, founding partner of Aberdeen-based family law specialists, Patience and Buchan, has retired as a partner to become a consultant with the firm.

Mr Patience was one of the first lawyers in Scotland to be accredited as a specialist in family law in 1994. He is also an experienced family law mediator as well as being a family law arbitrator – the equivalent of a private judge.

He said: “Whilst I have immensely enjoyed the challenge of seeing the firm prosper and have been able to use and promote alternative dispute resolution in an increasingly meaningful way, I think the time is now right to reduce my day to day involvement.

“My partners are hugely talented and it has been a real privilege to work with so many dynamic and inspiring people over the years. All of our experienced and dedicated support staff will be remaining in their posts. Although I will still be actively involved, my role will be a different one and I am looking forward to spending more time with family and participating in various sporting activities.”

The firm has also expanded by recruiting solicitor Gillian Smith from Ledingham Chalmers where she had worked for the previous five years. Ms Smith, from Dornoch, studied at the University of Edinburgh before joining Ledingham Chalmers and has wide experience in family law.

She has a range of sporting interests and for the last two years has been a weekend volunteer working with Avenue, a North East charity providing a range of support services for families and children.

Partner Lorna Buchan said: “Iain and I have worked together for more than 20 years, handling so many extremely complex and interesting cases. We are proud to have established Patience and Buchan as one of the leading family law practices in Scotland.

“Despite difficult financial times, our practice continues to grow and the remaining partners are delighted not only to have recruited someone as talented as Gillian, but also that Iain will continue to help our firm achieve even more success through his new role as consultant.”