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Lawyers in Aberdeen


Dean Purdie - Principal Solicitor
Employment Law & Civil Court Cases

Dean has been a solicitor in Aberdeen since 2003. He established DJP in 2008. Dean specialises in disputes involving civil, commercial and employment cases. He regularly appears in courts and tribunals. Dean believes that modern consumers expect a simpler approach to managing legal costs and tries to offer fixed or capped fees whenever an individual case allows. 

Dean has dealt with a variety of cases in different legal forums, ranging from the Sheriff Courts, Employment Tribunals and professional disciplinary bodies, on behalf of clients. He has also appeared before local licensing boards in disputed cases, at Road Traffic Commissioner hearings, Fatal Accident Inquiries and he has also participated in both commercial mediation and judicial mediation. Throughout his career Dean has dealt with cases involving landlord and tenant law, employment law, commercial disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, interdicts (injunctions), consumer law and family law. 

Dean has taught Civil Court Practice to postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen since 2009. He was an elected committee member of the Aberdeen Bar Association, a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen and was an appointed member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Education and Training Committee, which oversees training and educational standards for lawyers in Scotland, both in universities and in professional practice.  In 2016 Dean was appointed to the Access to Justice Committee of the Scottish Civil Justice Council, a body which monitors the impact of the law and legal practice on access to the justice system for the general public.

 

Steven Ritchie - Senior Associate Solicitor
Family Law

Steven joined DJP Solicitors in 2011, having worked in legal practice in Edinburgh and the North-East of Scotland. Practising exclusively in family law Steven deals with a broad spectrum of cases. Alert to the fact that most people are going through a stressful period when consulting a Solicitor on many of these issues, Steven will work to ensure that your interests are protected during this difficult time.

In an ideal world matters can be resolved amicably between parties and Steven can aid in the negotiation and preparation of a wide array of written agreements covering issues as diverse as contact arrangements, financial provision on divorce, pre-nuptial agreements and child maintenance.

In the event that parties are unable to resolve their differences Steven is an experienced Court practitioner dealing with cases across a number of Courts in Scotland. Steven deals with a large volume of cases arising from the breakdown of a relationship including cases focusing on financial provision on divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships and cases arising from cessation of cohabitation.

Steven also has a strong child law practice background and has a wealth of experience in dealing with cases concerning matters such as residence, contact, parental rights, declarator of parentage/non-parentage and re-location cases. Steven also offers advice and representation to clients in the complex field of adoption law and has experience of such cases from start to finish, including the final hearings before a Sheriff.



Owen Ross - Associate Solicitor
Family Law

Owen joined DJP Solicitors in 2021, having worked in legal practice for a number of years beforehand. He is also admitted as a solicitor in the jurisdictions of England & Wales and his native Republic of Ireland.

Owen believes that family law matters are best dealt with through reaching a sensible settlement. Owen also recognises when matters do proceed to court, it is then necessary to ensure that the best interests of his client are served.

Owen believes that it is of paramount importance that the best interests of children are at the forefront of every hearing and will offer advice to meet that aim.  Owen also understands that financial provision in separation and divorce cases are of crucial importance and believes that the devil is in the detail.


Ritchie McNeil – Solicitor
Civil legal disputes and civil court actions

Ritchie joined us in 2023 having previously worked in firms in Perth and Dundee. Ritchie handles a wide and varied case load including neighbour disputes, nuisance, debt recovery, actions for breach of contract, and landlord and tenant issues including evictions. Ritchie has appeared at the Sheriff Court and has experience of the Housing and Property Chamber.  
Favoured for his measured and pragmatic approach, Ritchie is sensitive to his clients’ needs and works tirelessly to ensure their interests are protected at all times and in the most cost effective way. Ritchie believes that a large number of disputes can be resolved without the need for litigation or court but is on hand to guide clients through every stage of proceedings where necessary.  

Davide Penna – Associate Solicitor
Family Law

Davide has undertaken civil and other court work for many years across different jurisdictions in Scotland, including Aberdeen, Forfar and Peterhead. His background includes all family law matters with extensive experience in divorce, separation, child contact, residence and cases relating to the Children’s Panel.  
Davide always aims for matters to be resolved without court action if possible but when a client’s best interest requires court, he brings his extensive experience to the case. He understands that usually clients would not choose to be in the position to need his help and strives to minimise the stress of the situation and works to get things done as efficiently as possible.  




Please note that we do not offer Legal Aid funded services.

Other services available from DJP Solicitors


  • Civil Court Cases
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    Looking for lawyers in Aberdeenshire? Call DJP Solicitors. We specialise in dispute resolution. 01224 590 053

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