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.

Ms Gallagher 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.

Accredited as a specialist in family law, child law, and family mediation by the Law Society of Scotland, she 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.

Ms Anderson joined Thorntons 10 years ago as a trainee solicitor. 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. She 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.

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.”