Dawn is an experienced Family Lawyer who qualified in 2008.
Dawn is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Mediator and a specialist in Child Law. Dawn is trained in collaborative practice, and she is a member of Consensus Scotland. Dawn is a member of CALM Scotland.
Dawn advised clients on family law matters from planning for their future (prenuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements) to dealing with matters arising from separation, divorce, and dissolution of civil partnerships which can often be of high value and complex matters.
Dawn regularly assist clients with making important decisions about their children including residence, contact, surrogacy, adoption and the relocation of children – both within UK abroad.
Dawn has experience of Hague convention cases and recently acted in a reported case for a mother who did successfully defended her children being returned to America.
Dawn helps clients where there has been domestic abuse and takes steps to seek to protect them.
Whilst Dawn has strong litigation skills, having appeared in court since 2007, she considers that court action should be a last resort – particularly where there are children involved.
Dawn will always aim to resolve matters by negotiation and to utilise her skills to try and achieve an amicable resolution as efficiently as possible. Dawn strives to deal with cases with sensitivity and compassion.
What Dawn’s clients say:
Dawn is “always there when needed” and deals with matters with “great expertise” whilst offering “emotional support” and a “first class service.
“Thank you for all your help and for always being there when I needed advice.”
“Dawn She has dealt with my case with great expertise and emotional support. I highly recommend her.”
“First class service, Dawn is an excellent family law solicitor.”
“We were full of praise for the way you conducted yourself at the Proof and we are all very grateful to you for that.”
Dawn was ranked as a Recommended Family Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide 2026.
Legal 500 says:
“Dawn Finlayson is…standout …. She is warm and approachable, yet tough in court and when appropriate. She is good on technical detail and excellent with soft skills. I would not hesitate to recommend her highly.”
Dawn has written articles about family law and she has delivered CPD to other Family Lawyers.
Dawn is a Board member of the charity Mellow Parenting. Mellow Parenting designs and delivers training programmes that promote parent – child relationships.
Dawn previously volunteered at a contact centre based in the Glasgow, where parents or relatives had contact with their children.
Dawn has volunteered at the Scottish Child Law centre.
Dawn Finlayson
Accredited Mediator and Accredited Specialist in Child law
Dawn has a great deal of experience of appearing in court having been involved in a number of lengthy adoptions proofs. She is well liked by colleagues and clients and is an organised diligent person.
She is passionate about Family Law and is always upbeat and quickly builds rapport with clients.