One of Scotland’s most experienced conveyancing paralegals has joined a growing boutique law firm, drawn by its strong family ties and shared values.
Shirley Askew, who has more than 30 years of legal sector experience, has joined Matheson Lawson to support its fast-growing residential property arm.
The move sees her reunite with her younger sister Donna Carson, recently appointed as head of commercial property – and longtime family friend Victoria Lawson, co-founder of the firm.
The firm, launched in March 2025, has quickly earned a reputation for prioritising people, plain-speaking advice and trusted client relationships. Shirley’s appointment further bolsters its commitment to service grounded in relevant, local experience.
Her appointment marks another significant addition for the firm, following a series of carefully chosen hires as it continues to establish its presence.
Shirley, who is from the Glasgow’s west end, said: “When you’ve been in this sector for as long as I have, you get a feel for what really matters – and for me, that’s people.
“Joining Matheson Lawson felt completely natural. There is a shared understanding and mutual respect here, which I think is rare to find. The fact I get to work alongside my sister and Victoria special but it’s the values and ethos that really drew me in.
“I’ve watched the firm develop from day one, and I knew that if the opportunity ever came up, I wanted to be part of it.”
Starting her legal career at just 17, Shirley has worked across several of Scotland’s most recognised law firms. From secretarial roots, she quickly progressed into paralegal work before taking on senior roles including Director of Conveyancing at a respected Glasgow firm.
In 2019 Shirley chose to step away from management roles to focus on client work, seeking greater work-life balance and a return to the day-to-day case handling she finds most rewarding.
She now brings that extensive knowledge to Matheson Lawson’s residential property team, where she will work closely with Director Victoria Lawson to manage transactions across Glasgow and beyond.
Victoria Lawson, Co-Founder and Director, said: “This isn’t just a new hire for us. It’s a reunion of people who know and trust each other deeply and who share a common ethos as to how legal services should be delivered.
“Shirley is exceptionally skilled and highly respected, but more than that, she’s someone who genuinely cares about her clients. Her presence and client management experience adds huge value to the team and strengthens the unique culture we’ve built here.”
The move also sees Shirley once again share an office with her sister Donna Carson, Director and Head of Commercial Property, who joined Matheson Lawson earlier this year. The pair previously worked together at another firm in the city.
Shirley added: “Working beside Donna again is something I didn’t know I’d get the chance to do. We’ve always been close, and when we last worked together it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable times in my career. I’m thrilled to have that again.”
Her arrival is part of a wider expansion strategy for Matheson Lawson, which continues to grow steadily while staying true to its founding principles of trust, clarity and relationship-driven service. Shirley’s appointment comes at an ideal moment for the firm, aligning with the strongest financial quarter ever recorded in residential property by any department under the founding directors.
For more information, please visit www.mathesonlawson.co.uk
