Our people

Richard Loudon is the Partner responsible for residential property purchases and sales in Edinburgh and East Lothian. He joined the firm in 1979 and has been a Partner since 1983. Richard has extensive knowledge of the area and its property market. He deals principally with the marketing of properties and the negotiation of purchases and sales. He is also responsible for business development and is constantly aware of the importance of providing a first class service to both existing and new clients.

Katie Macdonald joined Simpson & Marwick in 2009. Her role is to carry out valuations, advise clients on the marketing and sale of their property and bring new properties onto the market in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Katie graduated from Glasgow University in 1999 with a Business and Marketing degree followed by the IDM Diploma in Direct Marketing at Napier University in 2002. After working in direct marketing, a passion for property led her to set up a property investment company specialising in sourcing, renovating and letting properties. From this she decided to pursue a career as an Estate Agent and has now worked within solicitor estate agents in Edinburgh since 2003.

Louisa Raistrick joined Simpson & Marwick in 2008. Her role is to carry out appraisals; advise clients on the marketing and sale of their property; and bring new properties onto the market. After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Business Computing, Louisa found that her heart lay in property and while working with a local agent she completed a Diploma in Surveying and became a member of the RICS. She has now worked in the Edinburgh property market for over 11 years. Her IT background has also allowed her to play a significant part in the development of the EPP website and in-house property management systems.

Jen is the Office Manager and has been with Simpson & Marwick since 2004. Her role is to ensure the smooth operation of the department. After studying Business and Interior Design, Jen moved into a career in property in 2002. Starting off in property sales and purchases she then moved on to lettings where she helped set up a letting company which also specialised in renovations. She has now worked in sales within the Simpson & Marwick property team for over 15 years. Jen has a warm and friendly approach, showing sensitivity to clients' needs and always works well under pressure.

Matthew Munro joined Simpson & Marwick in 2014 as a Consultant to the residential property department. His role is to carry out pre-marketing appraisals and to advise clients on the marketing and sale of their property. Matthew has over 30 years experience in marketing and the sale and acquisition of prime residential property covering all recognised and renowned residential locations of the city with specific knowledge and experience of town houses and flats within the city centre (New Town and West End) and the detached villas in the surrounding areas within the confines of the city and the Lothians. Matthew attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving with the 1st Bn The King's Own Scottish Borderers.

Simon Donaldson joined Simpson & Marwick in 2006. His role is to advise clients on the marketing of their property, keep them fully informed as to progress through to negotiating a successful offer on their behalf. Simon has a background in sales having previously worked for two well known retailers. He began his property career as a property assistant and has worked in sales negotiation since 2007. Simon has an encyclopaedic knowledge of market facts and figures and uses it to help provide expert advice and to achieve a successful outcome for clients.

Hannah Graham joined Simpson & Marwick in 2013. Her role is to advise clients on the valuation, marketing and sale of their property and to bring new properties onto the market. After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 1999 Hannah went on to pursue a career in brand marketing, new build sales and marketing and later advertising. After taking time out to bring up her family, Hannah's passion for property led her to pursue a career in estate agency. Hannah's professional approach builds strong relationships with clients and ensures the delivery of a high quality service.

Clare Murphy joined Simpson & Marwick in 2014 after having worked in a similar role in the property department of a high profile Edinburgh estate agency for the last six years. Her role is to advise clients on the marketing of their property, keep them fully informed as to progress through to negotiating a successful offer on their behalf. After studying Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Glasgow, Clare worked in a number of client service and sales roles before pursuing her career in property sales. She has a professional and friendly approach and builds strong relationships with her clients.

Katie Jackson joined Simpson & Marwick in 2014 having previously worked in a similar role in the property department of another legal firm. Katie graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2010 with a degree in Property. Her knowledge of the property market, coupled with her enthusiasm, ensures that she offers a bespoke service to clients. Katie's role is to advise clients on the marketing of their property, keep them fully informed as to progress through to negotiating a successful sale on their behalf.

Gill Miller joined Simpson & Marwick in 2016. Gill has successfully redeveloped several properties over the years not only for herself but for commercial and residential clients fuelled by her enthusiasm for the property market and a background in sales and direct marketing in London and New York. Gill believes in a high customer service and her role is to develop a good relationship with clients and negotiate a successful sale on their behalf.

Sophie Stein joined the firm in 2018 having previously worked within an Executive Search firm for 15 years. In her current role, Sophie provides administrative support to the Property Partner and assists one of the Consultants with all aspects of getting properties to the market. Sophie is an enthusiastic team member who effectively manages a varied workload.

Karen Smith joined the firm in 2013. Karen previously carried out administrative roles in a law firm in Edinburgh, a busy school office and a leading communications company. Her current role is to support and assist the Associate Directors and Property Consultants in all aspects of administration preparing properties for market. Karen is a strong team member with a particular focus on excellent customer service and she professionally manages her varied workload to ensure client expectations are exceeded.

Joty Bakshi Sharma joined Simpson & Marwick in 2016 after successfully establishing buy-to-let properties for herself. With a background in marketing in Vancouver and Edinburgh, Joty is committed to developing strong relationships with clients and delivering a high level of customer service. Her role is to assist the Howe Street Property Shop in a variety of roles, especially supporting the Property Consultants in all areas of bringing a property to market.

Brian Smith is one of the Partners in the Property team. He brings a wealth of expertise in residential property, handling both purchases and sales. Brian practised for some 15 years as a sole practitioner founding @home solicitors & estate agents. The success of that business was based upon Brian’s guiding principles – understanding clients’ needs and anxieties and communicating appropriately, to help them try to achieve the desired outcome from their home move. Brian is responsible for overseeing the legal team in Edinburgh.

Euan Allan joined Simpson & Marwick in 2015 from Archibald Campbell & Harley Shoosmiths and specialises in Property Law. His various areas of expertise are acting for a wide range of private clients both in the UK and abroad and for residential developers, owner managed businesses, private pension funds and banks in all aspects of the acquisition, leasing and disposal of property. Over the years Euan has built a very sound knowledge in these areas and is recognised for his pragmatic and commercial approach to his client's requirements.

Bobby Fife is an Associate in the firm and joined in 2001. A graduate of Edinburgh University, he completed his traineeship in Dumfries in 1999 before returning to Edinburgh to specialise in residential conveyancing. He is an experienced and efficient lawyer who enjoys working as part of the legal team and the challenges of meeting individual clients' requirements leading to a successful purchase and/or sale.

Jemma Richardson is a qualified solicitor, having joined the firm in 2009 as a trainee. She handles a variety of sales, purchases and remortgages. Jemma graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 (LLB Hons, French and Law) and completed the Diploma in Legal Practice in 2009. She also holds a French Law qualification, having studied for a year in Paris (Université Paris Sud XI). Priding herself on her personable nature, Jemma enjoys dealing with her clients on a daily basis and working with such a successful and experienced team. In 2016 Jemma was named Rising Star of the Year at the Scott + Co Legal Awards.

Alison Grandison joined Simpson & Marwick in 2015 from Archibald Campbell & Harley Shoosmiths. Alison specialises in Residential Conveyancing acting for private individuals as well as for substantial property investment companies. As a result of her experience her knowledge of the property market is not confined to Edinburgh but extends across Scotland. Alison's aim is to deliver an excellent level of service to all clients at all times.

Suzanne Chitty joined Simpson & Marwick in 2017. She completed her undergraduate LLB degree at Napier University and graduated from Glasgow University with the Diploma in Legal Practice in 2012. She then qualified as a solicitor in 2015. Suzanne deals with a range of sales, purchases and other conveyancing transactions and enjoys working within the busy team at Simpson & Marwick

Aileen Millar is a Law Society of Scotland Registered Conveyancing Paralegal. Aileen graduated in 2002 with a BA (Hons) in Law with Administrative Studies and joined the firm in August 2010. Aileen brings a broad range of experience to the firm having worked in firms in both Glasgow and Stirling. Aileen is known for her calm but efficient approach which is appreciated by both her clients and colleagues.

Carolyn Jones is a Law Society of Scotland Registered Conveyancing Paralegal. Carolyn graduated in 1999 with a BA (Hons) in Law and Management and subsequently obtained the Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Conveyancing in 2005. Carolyn joined the firm in April 2014 and enjoys working with such a successful and busy team.

Mike Wilson is a Conveyancing Paralegal having joined the firm in 2007. Mike holds Specialist Paralegal Qualifications in both Conveyancing and Wills & Executries and is a qualified Scottish Law Accountant. Having started in the legal industry in 1991 and worked in a variety of positions since then, Mike brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the firm. Mike has recently returned to the Conveyancing team and enjoys being part of this enthusiastic and conscientious department.

Donna Todd joined Simpson & Marwick in 2017. She qualified from Strathclyde University as a Specialist (Conveyancing) Paralegal and is experienced in residential property as well as debt recovery, litigation and risk and compliance. Donna obtained an Advanced Certificate in Compliance from The ICA. Donna's experience combined with her efficient approach and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the legal team.

Nikki Dundas has a wealth of experience in property, business and private client matters, offering a holistic approach to legal advice for individuals, families and family businesses. Prior to joining Simpson & Marwick Nikki lead the private client department in Bonar Mackenzie W.S. and the client welfare team in Balfour+Manson. Nikki is well established and has a wealth of experience to advise clients on all legal lifestage issues with particular emphasis on later life decisions such as tax planning, wills, powers of attorney, guardianships and executries. She also continues to advise clients on a number of property matters. With extensive experience in property, business and private client matters, Nikki is well equipped to advise and cover all issues that affect individuals, families and SME's.

Judith Clark joined the Private Client team as an Associate in 2016. Judith works predominantly advising clients on the management of their personal affairs e.g. Wills, asset and tax planning and tax mitigation. She also advises on matters of elderly and vulnerable client care and considerations of incapacity including the granting of Powers of Attorney and Living Wills. Judith is experienced in particular in relation to advising on matters of agricultural and business relief from Inheritance Tax. Judith trained with Archibald Campbell & Harley WS (now Shoosmiths) where she qualified in 2007. In 2009 Judith joined R & R Urquhart LLP in Forres as Head of their Executry and Trust department and was promoted to Associate in 2012. Judith completed a STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates (Scotland) with Distinction and became a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) in 2013. She also attained a STEP Student of the Year Award for achieving the highest mark in the May 2013 sitting of the Trust Law and Practice exam.

Doran Mitchell joined the Private Client team as an Associate in 2016. He advises clients on a broad range of matters, with a particular emphasis on tax planning and wealth preservation for individuals, Wills and the administration of trusts and executry estates. Doran studied law in Dundee, qualifying as a Solicitor in 2014 and has since advanced his specialism within the field of Private Client work. Doran prides himself on offering the highest quality service in an approachable and friendly manner, especially when clients are facing challenging circumstances.

Susan Baxter joined Simpson & Marwick, Private Client Department in January 2013 with over 10 years legal experience in Private Client work. She gained a Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Property Law in January 2006 gaining a further Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Wills, Trust and Executries in August 2006. Susan focuses on administration of Trusts and Executries, but also deals with Trust and Executry Accounts and Tax compliance, including the preparation of Trust and Executry accounts, Tax returns, Income tax, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax computations. Susan is currently studying for the STEP Diploma with a view to continuing her professional development.

Donna Galloway is PA to Nikki Dundas and has been working with Nikki since their Bonar Mackenzie days providing administrative support. Donna ensures that Nikki makes the best use of her time by dealing with secretarial and administrative tasks. She has extensive knowledge of private client work and holds a paralegal qualification in commercial property. Donna makes sure work is handled efficiently in Nikki’s absence and is the first point of contact with clients and colleagues.