Weightmans launches private client offering in Scotland with specialist hire

National law firm Weightmans has opened a new private client practice in Scotland with the appointment of Scottish family law specialist Noel Ferry to its Glasgow team, expanding its cross-border offering.

Noel has 25 years’ experience in the legal sector, including 20 years in family law working on high profile cases.

He joins Weightmans as a partner from Turcan Connell, and he will be responsible for building the private client offering in Weightmans' Glasgow office.

Noel will provide a full suite of services spanning all areas of family law complementing Weightmans' existing Glasgow-based corporate-commercial, insurance, employment and real estate expertise, and adding to the firm's existing services across its seven-strong English office network.

Noel trained as a collaborative lawyer and is an expert across all areas of family law, notably in handling complex separations, prenuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements and international child relocation cases. He is a member — and former treasurer — of the Family Law Association and was admitted as a solicitor advocate in 2018.

Noel is the tenth partner in Weightmans' growing Glasgow office, which recently welcomed employment experts Ingrid McGhee as partner and Steven Harte as associate.

Noel Ferry, partner, Weightmans, said:

"A cross-border family law offering is unusual among national UK practices, and Weightmans’ cross-border element was something that really attracted me to the firm.

"This new private client practice is a great opportunity to bolster Weightmans’ presence here in Scotland, as well as to expand the firm’s service offering to better support clients across the UK. I’m looking forward to joining the rapidly growing Glasgow team and to continuing its expansion."

Emma Collins, partner and head of Weightmans’ national private client team, said:

"Noel's extensive experience and expertise makes him an incredibly valuable addition to the family team.

"As new family structures emerge and the concept of family law evolves to reflect today’s modern landscape, issues such as cohabitation rights, pre-nups and advancing divorce legislation have never been more prevalent, and it’s crucial we have the right team to guide our clients through proceedings both sides of the border.

"Our new private client practice in Glasgow means we can offer individuals Scotland and England-based expert, experienced counsel on factors like these and many others."