People

Michael Gallen

Partner

With over 20 years in private practice Michael has developed an extensive experience in litigation with a particular emphasis on criminal defence.

Over this period, he has built a reputation dealing with complex and high profile cases involving the successful defence of a wide spectrum of clients including professionals and those in the media spotlight.

Having served on the Glasgow Bar Association executive committee for almost a decade Michael has recently been elected as President. The Association represents and protects the rights and interests of its 400 members in the practice of law across the west of Scotland. Michael has also been elected to the committee of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association which advocates for lawyers Scotland wide.

In recognition of the high standards of professionalism for which Michael is widely known he is appointed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to undertake the trusted role of reviewing the performance of criminal defence solicitors across the country.

Michael was appointed as a curator ad litem by the Mental Health Tribunal For Scotland at the inception of the role. He often appears at hearings representing patients and their nearest relatives. As an acknowledgment of this experience, Michael was invited to sit on the Law Society of Scotland’s Mental Health and Disability Committee.

Michael holds the position of legal advisor to the Scottish Child Law Centre offering advice and assistance on a broad range of legal issues predominantly relating to children and their families.

In his spare time Michael volunteers at a community football club and sports hub providing sporting opportunities for children from all backgrounds in the south side of Glasgow. He has been instrumental in the club recently being awarded an SFA Quality Mark.

 

Brian Cooney

Partner & Solicitor Advocate

Brian is a Solicitor Advocate with rights of audience in the High Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. He has over ten years experience in litigation and currently specialises in Family Law and crime. Brian has an interest in dealing with all areas of family law, including divorce, contact, residence disputes and children’s hearings.

Brian regularly conducts child welfare hearings, proofs, and social work referrals at sheriff courts throughout Scotland and took part in the first ever virtual family proof in a Scottish Sheriff Court. He has extensive criminal law experience and has represented countless people in summary and solemn trials across Scotland.

Brian often receives excellent feedback from clients and enjoys working with them closely to achieve the best outcome for their circumstances. He has developed good relationships with other colleagues in court. He particularly enjoys dealing with complex litigation, including high value divorce matters and regularly instructs counsel in the Court of Session.

Outside the office, he is a member of the Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Scottish Association for the Study of Offending. This involves organising training and events for lawyers, social workers, police officers and other professionals.

He has been appointed Curator ad Litem to the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and has a good understanding of dealing with clients with mental health issues.

He has for many years acted as a volunteer solicitor for the Scottish Child Law Centre, a charity assisting with legal enquires from children and young people throughout Scotland.

Brian enjoys travelling, eating out, football and spending time with his young family.

 

Ciara Bradley

Senior Solicitor

Ciara Bradley is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde and trained in both criminal defence and family law. She has continued to practice in both areas since joining Fleming and Reid.

Ciara prides herself in her ability to deal with sensitive matters with care and compassion. She frequently appears at Mental Health Tribunals, Parole Hearings, Children’s Hearings as well as regularly appearing in courts across Scotland in both criminal and civil cases.

Ciara enjoys drafting written pleadings and does so with the utmost care and attention.

Ciara is committed to maintaining the highest standard of client care and is dedicated to ensuring an excellent client/solicitor relationship. Her dedication and commitment to every client is invaluable. She is approachable and attuned to the needs and vulnerabilities of each client. This allows her to navigate complex situations and achieve outstanding results.

Ciara regularly volunteers in her local community and is a strong believer in providing support to the most vulnerable in society.

 

Megan McAllister

Solicitor

Megan is a Solicitor and Notary Public, having successfully completed a traineeship with the firm.

Megan assists within a range of departments in the firm, including Criminal, Civil, Children’s, and Family.

Megan regularly appears in courts across Scotland. Megan’s developing range of experience allows her to relate to her clients with advice tailored to their needs. Megan has significant experience running trials with exceptional results and enjoys running proofs particularly in respect of family cases.

 

Rachel Bedford

Trainee Solicitor

Rachel Bedford joined Fleming and Reid as a trainee solicitor in August 2023.

She studied law at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and thereafter completed her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.  

Rachel enjoys working alongside a team of experienced lawyers, and the challenge and complexity of the work carried out by the firm. She has appeared at numerous children's panels and particularly enjoys instructing counsel in the Supreme Courts. 

 

Lucy McKenna

 

 

Atika Azmat

Legal assistant

Atika is presently an undergraduate law student at Edinburgh Napier University. During her studies she has been working with Fleming and Reid as a legal assistant.

She provides administrative support and legal research within a number of different fields of law. She is bilingual in Urdu and in the future aspires to be a successful lawyer.