learn about our history
About Us
Since 1996
Founded originally in 1996 by Bill Cairns and Tom Brown with an office in Alexandria, the firm expanded a year later, with the addition of a second office in Dumbarton and new partners, Bert, Thomson, and Roddy Boag. From then, until recently we specialized almost exclusively in court work, both criminal and civil.
The current generation of partners has expanded the firm’s geographical range, with a third office in Helensburgh, but also its range of private client work such as conveyancing, as detailed in our services section.
The current generation of partners has expanded the firm’s geographical range, with a third office in Helensburgh, but also its range of private client work such as conveyancing, as detailed in our services section.
KENNETH MCGOWAN
BA LLB DIP LP
AFTER QUALIFYING IN 2007 KENNY WORKED IN GLASGOW FOR TEN YEARS BEFORE JOINING CAIRNS BROWN. HE WORKS PREDOMINANTLY IN CRIMINAL DEFENCE BUT ALSO HAS EXPERIENCE IN REPRESENTING CLIENTS AT CHILDREN’S HEARINGS AND IN THE CHILDREN’S COURT, AS WELL AS PROCEEDS OF CRIME MATTERS. HE IS LOCATED IN OUR ALEXANDRIA OFFICE AND CAN BE CONTACTED THERE.
GILLIAN BOWMAN
BA LLB DIP LP
HAVING COMPLETED A TRAINEESHIP specialising IN FAMILY LAW GILLIAN HAS A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THIS AREA AND HAS EXPERIENCE REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN FINANCIAL, CONTACT , INTERDICT AND CHILDREN’S REFERRAL MATTERS. SINCE QUALIFYING IN 2014 AND JOINING CAIRNS BROWN SHE HAS PRACTISED IN MANY OTHER GENERAL CIVIL MATTERS AND IS NOW ALSO A MEDIATOR ACCREDITED BY THE LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND. She can be contacted at our Dumbarton or Helensburgh offices
STEPHEN MAGUIRE
LLB
STEPHEN BRINGS WITH HIM MORE THAN TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING SOLELY ON CRIMINAL DEFENCE CASES. HE HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS IN ALL MANNER OF CRIMINAL TRIALS IN DIFFERENT COURTS THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND. APPOINTMENTS WITH MAGUIRE CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING OUR DUMBARTON OFFICE.
GILLIAN BOWMAN
BA LLB DIP LP, MEMBER OF THE FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATION
HAVING COMPLETED A TRAINEESHIP EXCLUSIVELY IN FAMILY LAW MRS BOWMAN HAS A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THIS AREA AND HAS EXPERIENCE REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN FINANCIAL, CONTACT , INTERDICT AND CHILDREN’S REFERRAL MATTERS. SINCE QUALIFYING IN 2014 AND JOINING CAIRNS BROWN SHE HAS PRACTISED IN MANY OTHER GENERAL CIVIL MATTERS AND IS NOW ALSO A MEDIATOR ACCREDITED BY THE LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND. MRS BOWMAN CAN BE CONTACTED AT OUR DUMBARTON OFFICE.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE
LLB
MR MAGUIRE BRINGS WITH HIM MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING SOLELY ON CRIMINAL DEFENCE CASES. HE HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS IN ALL MANNER OF CRIMINAL TRIALS IN DIFFERENT COURTS THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND. APPOINTMENTS WITH MR MAGUIRE CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING OUR DUMBARTON OFFICE.
AMANDA KELLY
LLB DIP LP
Amanda KELLY QUALIFIED IN 2013 AND HAS SINCE GAINED PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE IN THE AREA OF CHILDREN'S LAW, INCLUDING REFERRAL MATTERS AND ADOPTIONS. SHE CAN GUIDE CLIENTS THROUGH BOTH CRIMINAL AND CIVIL MATTERS . She can be contacted at our Alexandria and Dumbarton offices
Hannah Pearson
Hannah Pearson qualified in 2019 after carrying out her traineeship in Montrose, and prior to this obtaining her Diploma from the University of Glasgow in 2016. She joined the firm in July 2022 and practices within the areas of conveyancing and private client work, including wills, powers of attorney and guardianships. She is located in our Helensburgh office and can be contacted there, although can meet with clients at our other offices by arrangement.
What People Say About Us
Client Testimonials
"I sought support initially from Cairns Brown on recommendation to gain a financial separation and settlement of assets. They offered objective and excellent legal advice informing me fully on what options were available. They supported and advised me, allowing me to progress a very acrimonious situation with integrity and fairness. Circumstance led to further representation in a family court but their expertise meant the best interests of my child were prioritised which was the most important thing. "
CC April 2017
"From initial enquiry to my divorce and financial negotiations being concluded, Cairns Brown were efficient, helpful and reasonable. The advice I was given was excellent, and all the complicated procedures and paperwork were explained to me. In fact, it couldn’t have been easier. They were the third legal firm I spoke to, and were the best by far."
VLApril 2017
"Cairns Brown has advised and represented myself, family and business over the past years (18 years) on many various matters successfully, with the latest issue being with a major utility company and being successful with costs, £6,000 00 being repaid to myself. I would not hesitate to recommend these Solicitors for personal advice or any possible litigations minor or major they may have."
DM April 2017 “A law is valuable, not because it is a law, but because there is right in it.”
Henry Ward Beecher