Burges Salmon's Expansion into Scottish Family Law: What It Means for Clients

10 November 2026

We at Thompson Family Law are always attentive to developments in the legal landscape that may impact our clients. A recent announcement caught our attention: Burges Salmon, a prominent UK law firm, is expanding its family law services into Scotland by establishing a new team in Edinburgh, led by esteemed family lawyer Rachael Kelsey. This move signifies a growing recognition of the unique aspects of Scottish family law and the importance of specialized local expertise.

Rachael Kelsey brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As the former president of the International Academy of Family Lawyers until 2025, she has built a substantial national and international reputation for her work on complex and novel family law issues. Her leadership is expected to enhance Burges Salmon's ability to support clients on intricate, high-value, and international family matters involving Scots law.

For clients, this expansion offers several potential benefits. Firstly, it increases the availability of specialized family law services in Scotland, providing more options for those seeking legal assistance. Secondly, the presence of a firm with a strong UK-wide reputation may attract clients with cross-border family law issues, ensuring they receive comprehensive advice that considers both Scottish and broader UK legal contexts.

However, it's essential to recognize that while larger firms bring extensive resources, smaller, family-run firms like ours offer personalized service and deep local knowledge. At Thompson Family Law, we pride ourselves on understanding the specific needs of our communities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Coatbridge, and Airdrie. Our commitment to providing compassionate, accessible, and efficient legal support remains unwavering.

In conclusion, Burges Salmon's expansion into Scottish family law reflects the dynamic nature of the legal profession and the increasing demand for specialized services. As always, we encourage individuals seeking family law assistance to consider their unique circumstances and choose a legal partner that best aligns with their needs and values.