Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defence & Legal Services in Scotland
The Robert Kerr Partnership is a long-established Scottish law firm with over 100 years of combined experience in criminal defence, child law, and road traffic offences. Our dedicated team of solicitors operates from Paisley and Greenock, providing legal representation across all courts in Scotland, including Glasgow, Johnstone, and East Kilbride. We prioritise client rights, offering 24/7 emergency legal advice and assistance with legal aid applications to ensure accessible justice. Our expertise spans serious criminal cases, children's hearings, and road traffic defence, with a proven track record of success in complex matters.We maintain membership with the Law Society of Scotland and accreditation by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, adhering to strict professional standards. Our commitment extends beyond court representation, offering transparent fee structures and ongoing support throughout legal proceedings. With a focus on client-centred service, we provide free initial consultations and maintain open communication to alleviate the stress associated with legal challenges. Our solicitors combine local knowledge with national reach, ensuring comprehensive legal support for individuals and families facing prosecution or child law matters.
Services
Criminal Defence
Child Law
Road Traffic Offences
Legal Aid
Police Station Consultations
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years combined experience in Scottish criminal law
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency legal advice and court representation
- We manage legal aid applications with transparent fee structures
- Proven success in complex cases at all Scottish court levels
- Specialist accreditation in criminal and child law matters
Associations and certifications
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
- Law Society of Scotland
What people say
Excellent legal service
Positive outcome
24/7 support
Professional representation
Compassionate approach
Services
Criminal Defence
We provide comprehensive criminal defence services across Scotland, handling cases from minor offences to High Court trials. Our solicitors specialise in murder, assault, domestic abuse, fraud, and drug-related charges. With accreditation from the Scottish Legal Aid Board, we offer 24/7 emergency representation and legal aid assistance for eligible clients.
Child Law
Our child law specialists represent clients in children's hearings and court proceedings across Scotland. We assist with child protection orders, adoption cases, and social work referrals. Accredited solicitors provide legal aid support and guidance through complex family law matters while prioritising the child's best interests.
Road Traffic Offences
We defend clients against all road traffic charges including dangerous driving, drink driving, and totting up penalties. Our solicitors challenge technical evidence and negotiate mitigated sentences to protect clients' livelihoods. Legal aid may be available for eligible cases in Scottish courts.
Legal Aid
As accredited providers, we manage legal aid applications for criminal and child law cases. Our team guides clients through the 'interests of justice' and 'means' tests, handling applications for advice and assistance or full representation in Scottish courts.
Police Station Consultations
Available 24/7, our solicitors attend police stations across Scotland to advise clients during interviews. We ensure proper legal procedures are followed and protect clients' rights from initial detention through bail arrangements and subsequent court appearances.
People
James Arrol
Director
Experienced criminal defence solicitor with a proven track record in complex cases. Specialises in murder trials and serious road traffic offences. Provides 24/7 client support across Scottish courts.
Robert Kerr
Managing Director
Leading criminal law expert with decades of courtroom experience. Oversees legal strategy and client representation in high-profile cases across Scotland's justice system.
Ellen Macdonald
Director
Specialist in child law proceedings and children's hearings. Accredited legal aid practitioner with extensive experience in family court matters and social work referrals.
John Gardener
Solicitor
Child law specialist handling adoption proceedings and child protection orders. Works closely with social work departments and children's reporters across Scotland.
Gemma Elder
Solicitor
Criminal defence solicitor focusing on road traffic offences and summary trials. Provides expert legal advice during police station interviews and court hearings.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence, child law, and road traffic offences across Scottish courts.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
Legal aid is available for most criminal matters and child law cases through the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
Do you offer 24/7 legal support?
Yes, our solicitors provide emergency legal advice and police station representation 24 hours a day.
What court levels do you cover?
We represent clients in Justice of the Peace Courts, Sheriff Courts, and the High Court of Justiciary.
How do you handle road traffic cases?
Our specialists challenge technical evidence and negotiate mitigated penalties for driving offences across Scotland.
What child law services do you provide?
We handle children's hearings, adoption proceedings, and child protection orders with legal aid support.
Reviews (7)
Paul Oneil
Nov 18, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I tried to contact John Gardner 5 times to represent me after I initially spoke to him he said he would speak to my current lawyer and get back to me . And since then he has just ignored my calls. Highly unprofessional very rude and disrespectful.
I tried to contact John Gardner 5 times to represent me after I initially spoke to him he said he would speak to my current lawyer and get back to me . And since then he has just ignored my calls. Highly unprofessional very rude and disrespectful.
Barry Masterton
Dec 13, 2020
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I used Robert Kerr Partnership for an issue which I though my would be quite difficult. From start to finish they were nothing but professional, reassuring and explained the process thoroughly for me. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend them and if I need legal advice in the future Ill be sure to return. Thanks guys for all your help and guidance.
Gary Hendry
Jul 27, 2020
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Great advice and service. Couldn't recommend more highly, Mr J Arrol was excellent to deal with! Thanks again.
C. Anderson
Jul 17, 2020
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Utterly appalling service from affirm who had to be educated in what certain outcomes could mean for me with regards to my case. Failed to obtain records after signing a mandate, no communication form anyone in the firm. Would recommend you avoid at all costs
Stevie Mac
Jul 17, 2020
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality
Used to be a good lawyers , however now they come across as cheeky and arrogant, with poor legal advice and no customer contact. Had to repeatedly call and email until I gave up and went to a proper lawyer . Guess you get what you pay for with these things ...
Used to be a good lawyers , however now they come across as cheeky and arrogant, with poor legal advice and no customer contact. Had to repeatedly call and email until I gave up and went to a proper lawyer . Guess you get what you pay for with these things ...
Justin Reid
Jun 01, 2020
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I was referred to The Robert Kerr Partnership due to a fairly complex legal issue i had. The team handled the case expertly, were thoroughly professional throughout and delivered a very satisfactory result in the end. I cannot recommend them highly enough, thanks again guys.
Gareth Nicholas
May 27, 2019
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AVOID, AVOID, AVOID at all costs! I was provided Robert Kerr himself to defend me at court recently.
Robert Kerr took on my case, gave terrible advice, lied to me which resulted in insane bail conditions banning me from Scotland which is where my young daughter resides, this also resulted in me becoming homeless all over an allegation of criminal damage. Why did Robert Kerr do this? Because he is an acquaintance of my accuser, something he eventually admitted WEEKS after I asked him. Very sly tactics from someone who is clearly old enough to know better. Regarding my case I binned Robert Kerr
Robert Kerr took on my case, gave terrible advice, lied to me which resulted in insane bail conditions banning me from Scotland which is where my young daughter resides, this also resulted in me becoming homeless all over an allegation of criminal damage. Why did Robert Kerr do this? Because he is an acquaintance of my accuser, something he eventually admitted WEEKS after I asked him. Very sly tactics from someone who is clearly old enough to know better. Regarding my case I binned Robert Kerr
