Hazel Langan
BA (Hons), LLB, DipLP, NP
Partner
I joined McLean & Stewart in 2007 as a Trainee and became a Partner five years later. With a degree in business as well as law, I am well placed for ensuring the smooth running of the firm along with my fellow Partner, Gemma Baillie.
I have a wide range of legal knowledge and focus on elderly client and estate work. With a pragmatic yet sensitive approach, I tailor my advice for each client ensuring that I focus on what matters to you the most. I regularly advise clients on Wills, Powers of Attorney, Guardianship Orders, Confirmation applications, and Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning. Additionally, I have experience in property transactions and also advise clients on residential and conveyancing matters.
I have a close professional tie with the Strathcarron Hospice in Falkirk and work closely with them on a pro-bono basis to ensure their patients have their legal matters in order. I was even lucky enough to meet Princess Anne through my work at the Hospice! I pride myself on being an empathetic and trustworthy lawyer, and I am passionate about bringing comfort to people who are nearing their end of life, and ensuring they have their affairs in order.
I am married with two sons and enjoy nothing more than spending time together with my family.
Gemma Baillie
Partner
I joined McLean & Stewart in 2008 as a Trainee and I am now at the helm of the Partnership along with my fellow Partner, Hazel Langan. I am responsible for supporting the strategic direction of the firm. I am the winner of the “Achievements in Law” category at the 5th Scottish Women’s Awards 2023, having demonstrated excellence and leadership within my field.
I am also a member of the Law Society’s Professional Practice Subcommittee which determines conduct complaints against Scottish Solicitors, Executry and Conveyancing Practitioners.
I advise both individuals and businesses on a broad range of legal services and have extensive experience in agricultural and rural law. I have a particular interest in helping clients plan for their future so whether you need help writing a Will, setting up a Power of Attorney, or administering a Trust, I will find an effective solution for your individual situation. Nobody knows what is around the corner but careful planning can help ensure that your family are cared for, assets are protected, and what can often be a highly emotive time is made less stressful. I like clients to feel at ease with me and my team, and take great pride in assisting all clients.
It is an honour and a privilege to be a Trustee of the Sophie North Charitable Trust, which was set up to honour the memory of Sophie North, one of the 16 children who tragically lost their life at Dunblane Primary School, along with their teacher, in March 1996. The Sophie North Charitable Trust raises money for children’s diseases, children’s hospices, breast cancer, care of the terminally ill and charities involved with conflict resolution and anger reduction.
I am also the Company Secretary for the Dunblane Centre, which was established using funds generously donated following the Dunblane tragedy in March 1996. The people of Dunblane collectively decided that a safe place that allowed all generations to come together and enjoy would be the perfect legacy to those lost. The Centre represents a space that can be enjoyed by the whole community, and pride themselves on being accessible to all (https://dunblanecentre.co.uk/)
Outside of work and charity life, I am kept on my toes running around after my children Shaun and Amelie. I am also a keen Irish dancer! When there is time, I enjoy the Scottish nature and outdoors and spending time with family and friends, as well as travelling further afield.
I have recently enrolled onto the British Sign Language (BSL) course. It is a stimulating experience, filled with challenges and rewards. The decision to embark on this journey was to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding environment through the power of language.
Elaine Taylor
Head of Finance & Office Manager
I am the Head of Finance and Office Manager at McLean & Stewart and have been with the firm since 1999. In addition to running the finance and compliance side of the business, I have been afforded the opportunity to further my studies within the firm, having achieved both my SOLAS Certificate (Society of Law Accountants in Scotland), together with my Paralegal qualification in Trusts and Executry Estates, and I still assist with Executry Estates as well as any Trust or Will queries within the firm.
I enjoy playing music and I am a member of the Doune Pipe Band, playing snare drum. When not playing music and partaking in local highland and agricultural shows, I love being outdoors. I am also involved in organising charity events within the firm, raising money for the Strathcarron Hospice and Start-Up Stirling.
Kay Wright
Paralegal
An accredited Paralegal in Residential Conveyancing and also PA to Gemma, I have worked in the legal sector for over 40 years. I qualified in 1992 as a Conveyancing Paralegal, and Advanced Paralegal in 1995, and assist our residential conveyancing clients with all aspects of buying and selling property. I also assist Gemma with the sale and purchase of high value commercial properties, and also commercial leases. In addition, I have a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and assist with our rural clients in relation to high value farm and land sales and purchases. Gemma and I have a very close working relationship and we both have caring natures. We pride ourselves in looking after and doing the best we can for all of our clients.
I am married with a son, and Archie the westie, who is 4. I have strong ties with the MS Society and Leuchie House in North Berwick (the National Respite Centre). I enjoy walking and the great outdoors, and arranging and hosting get togethers with family and friends.
Emma Fitzsimmons
Paralegal
I have been with McLean & Stewart for 20 years, and I am an Accredited Paralegal and Secretary to Hazel. As a qualified conveyancing paralegal, I help our clients with their residential conveyancing transactions when they are buying and selling a house. I also assist clients when planning for their future, whether this involves preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney, or Family Law matters.
I am kept busy out of work too, delivering my local magazine, keeping fit and enjoying the great outdoors. As well as cooking and visiting friends, I walk and run regularly, having climbed many Munros – I am hoping to partake in my first 10k soon.
Cara Burnett
Paralegal
I am a Residential Conveyancing Paralegal and have been with McLean & Stewart since 2017. I help our clients with all aspects of purchasing or selling a property. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, buying a property can be stressful and I will try to minimise this stress. From liaising with mortgage brokers, to advising clients on the technical content of the buying or selling documents, to handling the signing of papers, I am there the whole journey with our clients until they get the keys for their new property.
In my spare time, I like to catch up with friends and family, practice my golf and enjoy the outdoors.
Lauren Beech
Executry Assistant
I joined McLean & Stewart in 2016 as an Office Junior, and following progression within the firm, I am now a Cashroom and Executry Assistant. In my role, I help to support Gemma and Hazel in the administration of estates, following the death of a loved one. I also provide support to Elaine in our Finance Department.
Outside of the office I am partial to reading and also enjoy spending time with my family. My goal is to climb every Munro!
Lorna Moonie
Despatch Manager
Originally a Receptionist at McLean & Stewart, I have also worked in the Cashroom before working as Despatch Manager in 2020, so I really understands the mechanics of the business. From ensuring the smooth administration of the mailroom, to photocopying and scanning requirements, to helping out with Reception duties, I am always keen to lend a hand.
I have a BA (Hons) Humanities with Music degree and play guitar in a local music group. I also enjoy reading, sewing and knitting.
Christine Watson
Office Administrator
I originally worked in children and young persons’ education before graduating from The University of Aberdeen with an MA Psychology degree – which comes in useful in all areas of work and leisure – before finally starting my journey in the legal sector in 2006.
As a part-time office administrator, I am there to assist with the smooth running of the office. When I am not working, I enjoy wild swimming and partaking in activities that make my heart pump fast, from white water rafting to zip lining! I am also a member of my local Friends of CHAS fundraising group for the Children’s Hospice.
Kim Teven
Office Administrator
I joined McLean & Stewart as an Office Administrator in 2022. With a BA in Criminology and Law, I am adept at understanding the mechanics of a law firm and the needs of our clients, as well as carrying out general office administration and reception duties.
I am a big football fan, although I don’t currently have as much time to indulge in my passion whilst looking after my young children.
Kerry Thomson
Receptionist
I started at McLean & Stewart in September 2023 as a Receptionist and will be the first point of contact for almost all calls and enquiries.
From joining the Civil Service upon leaving school, I have always worked in administration with a break to have my two daughters.
I moved to Dunblane from the Isle of Arran in 2013 and have made it my ‘forever’ home.
I volunteer, when I can, with the Dunblane Development Trust. I enjoy seeing my family, long distance walking and reading history and biographies.
Catriona Glen
Office Administrator
Having graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2022 with an MA (Hons) in Politics and Spanish, I recently joined McLean & Stewart as an Office Administrator, where I assist with general administrative duties. I am now finishing my accelerated LLB Scots Law, ultimately hoping to qualify as a Solicitor.
Outside of work, I love to travel and have spent time living and working in some amazing places in the world, including Mexico, Seville, and Zomba in Malawi. I really enjoy the outdoors, and in particular, I enjoy paddle boarding, Munro-bagging, anything with my dog, and One-Direction themed spin classes!