Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in West Dunbartonshire
Established in 1996, Cairns Brown is a Scottish law firm with offices in Alexandria, Dumbarton, and Helensburgh. Our practice spans criminal defence, family law, conveyancing, and civil litigation, supported by a team with decades of combined experience. We prioritise client needs through personalised legal solutions, combining local knowledge with national expertise. Our accredited mediators and specialists in children's law ensure tailored representation across courts in Scotland. With a focus on integrity and accessibility, we guide clients through complex legal processes, from initial consultation to court representation. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in long-standing client relationships and successful outcomes in high-stakes cases.We maintain transparency in fees and procedures, ensuring clients understand their options at every stage. Regularly instructed in Sheriff Courts, High Courts, and Children's Hearings, our team adapts to evolving legal landscapes while upholding traditional values of professionalism. Our multi-office structure enables responsive service across West Dunbartonshire and beyond, supported by modern case management systems. Through continuous professional development, our lawyers maintain expertise in emerging legal areas while refining core competencies in established practice fields.
Services
Conveyancing
Family Law
Criminal Defence
Mediation Services
Personal Injury Claims
Wills and Executries
Powers of Attorney
Guardianships
Children's Hearings Representation
Road Traffic Offences
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in Scottish legal matters
- Our team includes accredited mediators and specialists in children's law
- We provide transparent fee structures and procedural explanations
- We offer multi-office accessibility across West Dunbartonshire
- Our lawyers maintain active court practices in Sheriff and High Courts
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of Scotland
What people say
Excellent legal advice
Efficient and helpful
Best by far
Successful with costs
Prioritised child's interests
Services
Conveyancing
We handle residential property transactions including sales, purchases, and mortgage work. Our conveyancing team ensures secure, timely transfers while explaining legal processes clearly. Hannah Pearson and Gillian Bowman lead this service, combining technical expertise with client-focused communication to resolve title issues and complete transactions efficiently.
Family Law
Specialising in separation, divorce, financial settlements, and child custody matters, our family law team provides strategic representation. Gillian Bowman's accreditation and court experience ensure effective negotiation or litigation. We prioritise children's welfare while protecting clients' financial interests through transparent, compassionate legal guidance.
Criminal Defence
Stephen Maguire and Kenneth McGowan lead our criminal defence practice, handling cases from local Sheriff Courts to High Court trials. We defend against charges including assault, fraud, and road traffic offences. Our approach combines procedural knowledge with aggressive advocacy to protect clients' rights throughout Scotland's justice system.
Mediation Services
Gillian Bowman provides Law Society-accredited mediation for family and civil disputes. This alternative to court proceedings facilitates mutually acceptable solutions through structured negotiation. We focus on reducing conflict while maintaining legal compliance, particularly in financial settlements and child custody arrangements.
Personal Injury Claims
We represent clients in workplace injuries, road accidents, and medical negligence claims. Our networked approach allows no-win-no-fee arrangements where appropriate. We pursue full compensation for injuries sustained in public spaces, domestic premises, or through professional negligence, ensuring clients understand claim timelines and legal standards.
People
Kenneth McGowan
Solicitor
Qualified in 2007 after working in Glasgow, Kenneth specialises in criminal defence and children's hearings. He combines courtroom experience with accessible client communication at our Alexandria office.
Gillian Bowman
Family Law Solicitor
Qualified in 2014, Gillian focuses on family law and is a Law Society-accredited mediator. She handles financial settlements, child custody, and interdict cases from Dumbarton office.
Stephen Maguire
Criminal Defence Specialist
With over 25 years' experience, Stephen specialises in criminal trials across Scotland. His expertise spans serious offences at Dumbarton office, providing strategic court representation.
Amanda Kelly
Children's Law Specialist
Qualified in 2013, Amanda specialises in children's law including adoptions and referrals. She advises on both criminal and civil matters from Alexandria and Dumbarton offices.
Hannah Pearson
Conveyancing Solicitor
Qualified in 2019, Hannah specialises in property transactions and private client work. Based in Helensburgh, she handles wills, powers of attorney, and guardianships.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in family law, criminal defence, conveyancing, personal injury claims, and mediation. Our solicitors also handle wills, executries, and children's hearings across Scottish courts.
Do you offer legal aid services?
Yes, we handle both legal aid and privately funded cases, particularly in family law, criminal defence, and personal injury claims. Our team can advise on eligibility during initial consultations.
Are your services available outside office hours?
Our offices operate Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-4pm. While we don't offer 24/7 services, urgent matters can be addressed through emergency contact details provided to existing clients.
How do I start a property transaction?
Contact Hannah Pearson or Gillian Bowman initially to discuss your conveyancing needs. They'll explain the process, required documentation, and provide a clear fee estimate for your property transaction.
Can you assist with children's hearings?
Yes, we regularly represent parents, children, and guardians in Children's Hearings System matters. Our solicitors provide early advice on referral grounds, supervision orders, and appeal processes.
Reviews (2)
Charlene Kennedy
Apr 07, 2021
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Contact my lawyer loads of times and constantly no reply. It was a very urgent matter and was regarding access to my 2 year old daughter. think this should be looked at as people rely on lawyers in these matter. Very upset about this as I put my trust in them and just felt like I was treated like it wasn't important to them. Hopefully company can improve in this as this is people's life's and we need advise and lawyers to fight our corner. Because I felt this way I went a seek legal advice els where. Very saddened bye my experience here!
Gareth
Nov 16, 2018
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Clear and accurate advice on proceeding with a legal matter which we should pursue or not. Gave full instructions what to do depending on possible outcomes. Thanks.
