Balfour+Manson new partner to head client welfare team

Legal firm Balfour+Manson has appointed a new partner to head its client welfare team.

Promoted from associate, private client specialist Shona Brown becomes the seventh female member of the 18-strong partnership.

The firm claims that its four-strong specialist unit, which aims to look after client needs where these go beyond legal advice, is unique in the Scottish legal profession.

In addition to associate Jillian Barnes, the unit comprises client welfare managers Jo Downie, who has had a career in nursing and in the auction business, and Fiona Shand, who has a background in social work and experience in helping clients claim the appropriate benefits. Ms Brown herself is a former dentist.

“Balfour+Manson recognised over two decades ago that the lines between legal advice and looking after a client’s welfare needs were blurred,” Ms Brown said.

“Rather than having to bring in outside specialists when those needs go beyond the law, we can do it all as Jo and Fiona are an integral part of our team."

Last year, Downie found “an old piece of folded brown paper” in a client’s attic. When she had it checked by an expert, it turned out to be an antique map, which went on to sell for £175,000 at auction.

Balfour+Manson is working towards becoming Scotland’s first dementia-friendly law firm, to reflect its growing expertise in this area. 

Chairman Elaine Motion said: “We are delighted to welcome Shona to the partnership. The client welfare team is absolutely central to the ethos of the firm and what we are about – and I know that she will provide tremendous leadership and work closely with her colleagues to continue providing an exceptional and unique service to our clients.”