Maria Scotland

Spear's Review

‘The one thing my clients always tell me is that I’m not like other barristers,’ Maria Scotland of 5 St. Andrew’s Hill says. ‘I speak plain English.’ Scotland tells Spear's that since beginning her career in family law almost three decades ago, she has placed emphasis on the importance of clearly communicating to clients and ensuring they understand the proceedings that lie ahead.

Aside from the expertise she brings to the table, Scotland says that her clients benefit from the unique offering of her chambers, 5 St. Andrew’s Hill, which boasts experts in criminal law as well as family matters. ‘A lot of our cases are related to CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] investigations,' she explains.

When Scotland speaks with Spear's she details an ongoing case where a wealthy individual who had been practising as a surgeon was found to be lacking any medical qualifications. After being charged with fraud by the CPS, his assets were frozen. The surgeon’s wife then filed for divorce but now faces a battle to acquire her share of the marital assets. 

Cases like these are part and parcel of Scotland's varied practice. She says that it's not uncommon for people who are being extradited or investigated by the CPS to be grappling with the breakdown of a marriage at the same time. In these cases, individuals often require family law and criminal law advice in tandem.

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