THE FIRM
Focused on the law that matters most to you
Family and Divorce. Criminal Defence and Road Traffic. Wills, Powers of Attorney and Executry. The matters people bring to us are rarely routine to them, so we take the time to explain where you stand, what your options are, and what happens next.
OUR TEAM
All our team are fully committed to you at Jonathan Paul Solicitors
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Jonathan Paul
Principal Solicitor & Notary Public
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Kayla Gardner
Solicitor & Notary Public, Family Law & Private Client
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Angus Eadie
Trainee Solicitor, Criminal Law & Children’s Hearings
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Emma McGhie
Paralegal, Criminal Law
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Stephanie Donnelly
Paralegal, Family Law and Private Client
Jonathan Paul
Principal Solicitor & Notary Public
Over twenty-five years in practice, Jonathan has built a considerable reputation in criminal defence and road traffic law, appearing for clients in courts throughout Scotland. It was demand from those clients that shaped the firm as it stands today: people who had trusted him with a criminal matter came back when a marriage ended, when a parent lost capacity, or when a family needed a Will put in place, and asked whether he could help with that too. The firm’s family law, private client and children’s hearings work grew directly out of those requests, and every case is still led and supervised by Jonathan personally.
He is a Notary Public, and takes a direct, principled approach to the work. Clients are told honestly what their position is, what their options are, and what he believes the likely outcome to be, even when that is not what they were hoping to hear. He would rather give someone an unwelcome answer early than a comfortable one that costs them later.
What he cares most about is what actually happens to the people who instruct him. A criminal charge, a separation, or the loss of a parent are among the hardest things anyone goes through, and Jonathan takes the view that a client should never feel like a file reference. Many of the firm’s clients have been with him for years and have sent their families in turn — which is why the team tends to talk about clients as part of the firm’s own family rather than as customers.
Kayla Gardner
Solicitor, Family Law & Private Client
Kayla advises clients across all areas of family law, including separation, divorce, child residence and contact, and protective orders. She acts in both negotiated and litigated matters, and appears regularly in the Sheriff Court in child-related disputes and urgent protective applications. Much of her work involves supporting parents through high-conflict situations, guiding clients through the practical and emotional realities of separation, and helping families reach workable, child-focused arrangements.
She also undertakes the firm’s private client work, preparing Wills and powers of attorney, making applications under the Adults with Incapacity legislation, and assisting families with executries and estate administration. Alongside that day-to-day practice, Kayla has acted in a number of contentious private client matters at court, including disputes arising from incapacity, estate administration and complex family circumstances. That experience allows her to help clients not only with routine planning but with the difficult and sensitive cases that call for firm advocacy and clear strategic guidance.
Known for her calm, approachable manner and clear communication, Kayla is committed to giving practical, empathetic advice at some of the most important moments in her clients’ lives.
She is frequently joined by Alfie, her dachshund, who has earned a reputation as the firm’s unofficial therapy dog. When he visits the office, Alfie boosts morale, insists on attention from anyone nearby, and is particularly popular with clients.
Angus Eadie
Trainee Solicitor, Criminal Law & Children’s Hearings
Within the firm’s criminal law department, Angus assists clients facing a wide range of allegations, including road traffic offences, assaults, domestic matters and cases involving controlled substances. He has appeared in Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts across Scotland, and has experience in preparing cases, taking statements, analysing evidence and guiding clients through the criminal justice process from first interview to final disposal. He is known for his steady courtroom presence, his ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently, and the rapport he builds with clients. Angus consistently goes above and beyond in progressing cases, making sure every client feels heard, supported and fully informed.
Angus also regularly appears at Children's Hearings, representing young people, parents and relevant persons at every stage of proceedings. He advises on grounds of referral, prepares clients for hearings, and supports families where Children’s Hearings decisions overlap with ongoing criminal or civil court proceedings. He is committed to ensuring that children’s views are heard and that families feel supported throughout what can be a challenging and emotional process.
He is recognised for his calm, measured manner, his client-centred approach, and his commitment to making sure clients feel respected and supported at every stage of their case.
Emma McGhie
Paralegal, Criminal Law
Emma plays a central part in the preparation and progression of every criminal case in the office. She assists the solicitors with drafting and organising court documentation, manages case files, liaises with clients, and coordinates communication with courts, counsel and external agencies. She is heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the department, making sure deadlines are met, information is accurately recorded, and cases move smoothly through each procedural stage.
Her organised, calm and reliable approach is particularly valued in the fast-paced environment of criminal practice, and she is known for handling several matters at once without any loss of accuracy. Emma is often the first person a client speaks to, and offers reassurance, clarity and friendly support at what is usually a stressful and uncertain time.
Emma’s work ethic, attention to detail and approachable manner make her a trusted member of the team, and her contribution underpins the efficiency of the criminal law department and the firm’s commitment to thorough, client-focused representation.
Stephanie Donnelly
Family Law & Private Client Paralegal
Having worked across different areas of the practice, Stephanie has a strong understanding of the legal process and of the importance of a friendly, approachable and supportive service. She assists primarily with family and private client matters, and enjoys building relationships with clients and helping them navigate circumstances that are often difficult and unfamiliar.
Stephanie has completed a paralegal qualification in Wills, Trusts and Executries and is a member of the Society of Law Accountants in Scotland (SOLAS), a professional body that promotes high standards in legal accounting, executry administration and private client procedure. Her membership reflects her commitment to accuracy, compliance and best practice in the financial and administrative side of private client work.
She is particularly drawn to family law, regularly supporting clients through separation, child-related matters and sensitive family disputes. Stephanie is skilled at guiding clients through the emotional impact of those situations, providing steady, compassionate support that leaves the solicitor free to concentrate on the legal issues while the client feels heard, reassured and well supported throughout.
For Stephanie, the most rewarding part of the job is being able to help people when they need it most, and making sure clients feel listened to, understood, and reassured that someone is on their side.
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