The legal profession has traditionally been male-dominated. When Lesley Anderson began studying law at the University of Glasgow in 1989, it marked the first recorded year in which female law students outnumbered male students.
Since then, she has built a distinguished career, qualifying as a Solicitor Advocate, becoming an accredited specialist in both Family Law and Child Law, and founding Lesley Anderson Law in 2019. Throughout her career, she has observed a steady increase in women entering the profession, including within the judiciary.
Building a Strong, Talented Team
Over the past seven years, Lesley has grown her firm to a team of seven women, including two trainees and two paralegals. While she did not intentionally set out to create an all-female team, she explains that the strongest candidates—those demonstrating commitment, ambition, and dedication to clients—have been women.
She prioritises mentoring and developing “homegrown” talent and remains committed to retaining skilled younger lawyers within the firm.
A Practice Dedicated to Supporting Clients
Lesley specialises in Family and Child Law and is dedicated to supporting clients through challenging and often traumatic periods. As a Solicitor Advocate, she works to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients in court and through negotiation.
The firm represents clients across Scotland and prides itself on delivering excellent advice, representation, and client care.
Leadership and Service in the Legal Community
Lesley has undertaken extensive voluntary work, including 11 years on the Family Law Association committee, where she served as secretary, vice chair, and chair. She currently serves as Vice Chair (Civil) and Treasurer of the Society of Solicitor Advocates.
The firm operates from bespoke offices in central Falkirk and offers a free initial consultation to support clients in making informed decisions. Appointments can take place in person, virtually, or out of office when required.
Balancing Advocacy, Leadership, and Life
Balancing court advocacy with running a firm creates daily challenges, with court deadlines often demanding early mornings and late evenings. Lesley understands the pressures faced by women in the profession—particularly those with young families—having managed her own career while raising children.
She is also a Court-appointed Child Welfare Reporter and recognises the emotional intensity of child-related cases. To maintain wellbeing, she enjoys running and yoga.
Continued Growth and Specialist Expertise
Since opening, the firm has expanded from two to seven team members, driven largely by client referrals. The team handles complex Family and Child Law matters, including:
- High-net-worth divorces
- Separation and cohabitation agreements
- Pre-nuptial agreements
- Residence and contact cases
- Adoption
- Specific issue orders
They regularly raise financial claims and protective orders and take complex cases to proof. Lesley is particularly experienced in advising on special circumstances and economic disadvantage arguments in divorce and highlights the importance of obtaining early legal advice.
