LAWYERS

Renfrew Defence Lawyers Your Ultimate Law Partners In Any Case

Throughout Scotland, we provide legal defence services. Whether you are facing a murder or homicide charge, or multiple traffic charges, we will defend you. We can assist you with any legal matter. Our team is here to help!

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ABOUT US

Renfrew Defence Lawyers were established in 2010 as a local law firm. We have offices in Paisley and Renfrew. Due to the popularity of the firm we represent clients throughout the whole of Scotland in relation to all aspects of Criminal Law and Children’s Hearing proceedings.

We have a number of solicitors with a combined experience in excess of 70 years.

Each case has its own surrounding facts, circumstances and complexities.  As a result, each individual case will be considered and a fee agreed in relation to representation. We offer an initial consultation which is free of charge with no obligations where an appropriate level of fee for representation can be agreed. 

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Tony Callahan&
Michael McKeown

Salus populi suprema lex.

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COURTS COVERED
The Appeal Court

The Court of Criminal Appeal sits within the High Court of Justiciary at Lawnmarket in Edinburgh. It hears appeals from summary and solemn level prosecutions in Scotland.

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The High Court

The High Court of Justiciary is the most senior Criminal Court in Scotland. It sits at three permanent locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

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The Sheriff Court

The majority of prosecutions in Scotland are dealt with in the Sheriff Courts. There are currently 46 Sheriff Courts in Scotland with some earmarked for closure in the coming years.

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The Justice of The Peace Court

Justice of the Peace courts deal with low-level summary prosecutions in Scotland.

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SERVICES

Throughout Scotland, we provide legal defence services. Whether you are facing a murder or homicide charge, or multiple traffic charges, we will defend you. We can assist you with any legal matter. Our team is here to help!

OUR TEAM

Tony Callahan

Lawyer, Notary Public, Director
Graduated from Strathclyde University in 1990 and has appeared in Courts across Scotland on a daily basis ever since representing clients in relation to criminal defence.

Tony has been responsible for the preparation of a number of High Court cases and criminal appeals some which have resulted in convictions being quashed and sentences being significantly reduced.

Tony has a reputation of being approachable and sympathetic towards to his extensive clients.

Speciality: Criminal Law
Degrees: LL.B., Dip.L.P., N.P.

Michael McKeown

Lawyer, Director
Qualified from University in 2003. Michael has a special interest in the role of forensic evidence in criminal prosecutions.

Michael is a member of the society of Apothetries and has a diploma in Forensic medical science from Glasgow University.

Michael has successfully appealed against murder convictions and is currently challenging the admissibility of Encro evidence within the Scottish Criminal jurisdiction.

Speciality: Criminal and Children Law
Degrees: LL.B., Dip.L.P., Dip.F.M.S.

Fiona Clark

Director
Fiona began her career in July 2001 as an Office Junior. She joined our firm in November 2010 as Office Manager and Paralegal, specialising in criminal defence since 2009.

Fiona has played a major role in the expansion of the company and decided to embark on the route to becoming a qualified solicitor in 2019. She successfully completed the Law Society of Scotland Professional Examinations in July 2021 and completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at Robert Gordon University in July 2022. Fiona became a Director of the Firm in April 2026 and is a true example of working your way up from the bottom to the top.

Fiona has a keen interest in all areas of criminal law however has a particularly interested in homicide cases and serious organised crime.

Specialities: Crime and Child Law

Ruth Panton

Associate Solicitor
Graduated from Glasgow University in 2019 and joined the firm as a trainee in August 2019.

Ruth has a keen interest in the Childrens Hearing System and has successfully challenged decisions of the Children’s Panel by appealing to the Sheriff Court. She is dedicated to securing the return of children to their family homes following removal by Social Work Services. Ruth is able to oppose social work recommendations and fights tirelessly to have children returned to the community where they can live independently and with their liberty.

Ruth has also represented a number of clients across Scotland in the criminal courts securing acquittals following trial.

Speciality: Children and Criminal Law
Degrees: LL.B (Hons), Dip.L.P.

Mark Johnstone

Associate Solicitor
Mark graduated from Strathclyde University after completing his Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in 2019. Since then he has appeared at courts throughout Scotland and quickly gained a broad spectrum of experience in Family Law, Social Work/Children’s Referrals, Adoption and Permanence Orders, Immigration and Asylum and, in particular, Criminal Defence.

He has experience at High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court levels across almost every jurisdiction in Scotland.

He has experience at Court of Session, High Court, SheriƯ Court, Justice of the Peace Court, Tribunal and Children’s panel levels.

Since joining Renfrew Defence in 2024 Mark has specialised in Criminal Defence and Child Law. He has secured acquittals and reduced sentences for clients, as well as the return of children to their families.

Speciality: Criminal and Children Law
Degrees: LL.B., Dip.L.P.

Eliott Gemmell

Associate Solicitor
Eliott joined the firm as a Trainee in September 2021 after completing his Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde. Eliott previously graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2020 with an LLB(Hons) in Scots Law with Risk Management.

Eliott has an avid interest in all areas of criminal law however, has a particular interest in the role of forensics in criminal prosecutions, in addition to the defence of drug related offences.

Degrees: L.L.B (Hons) with Risk Management, Dip L.P.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
About Us
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"Would like to thank you all again would highly recommend this firm for legal representation."

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"Had a really great experience here. Very helpful and polite staff, couldn't have done more for me."

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"Will 100% return if ever needed and recommend to anyone needing legal advice/representation."

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"Hello Callahan Mckeown 

I hope you dont mind the Email 

I thought it was only Right to make my Feelings 

None about how Callahan Mckeown have Supported me over the last 5 years .. Especially through this what has proven be the most Difficult period of my familys Life

I had a Mental Breakdown being diagnosed with PTSD and Disasocitve disorder after losing My Buisness this lead to my making many decisions over a 4/5 year period which lead myself to Appear in both Paisley and Glasgow Sherrif Court on many occasions places that where totaly alien to me leading up to my 54th birthday

I can not Thank Callahan Mckewon Enough, But in Particular Michael Mckeown Defence Lawyer who has Dealt with Every Case we have to deal with with Compassion, Respect, Grace and Understanding even at times when I’ve not been the easiest of men to deal with 

Mental Illness can be a very serious condition."

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"Fiona is my solicitor from this firm and without her I wouldn't be where I am now shes helped me get my boy home where he belongs always professional and honest I have recommended her to other people and will always. Will forever be grateful for you help."

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"Elliot Gemmell was very professional. He kept me informed at every stage of the legal process, and explained complex legal issues in a way I could easily understand. He was always available and returned my calls promptly, and was sensitive to the emotional nature of my case."

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"Elliot showed great composure and skill. He achieved the best possible outcome.

Highly recommend."

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"The best professionals in Scotland"

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"Elliot showed great composure and skill. He achieved the best possible outcome.

Highly recommend."

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"I am a man with pretty serious mental health concerns and I have been involved in cases where I need to defend myself in court a few times now. Every time I have went to Renfrew Defence Lawyers, and every time I'm met with friendly, knowledgeable lawyers who go above and beyond to help you to the best of their abilities. These Lawyers have been nothing short of an A-Team for me, especially Elliot who is an amazing person and a brilliant lawyer and just saved me from a potential sentence today. I will always be grateful for these lawyers and services they have provided In my hour of need. I would highly recommend their services to anyone who needs a team that will give you 100%, both inside and outside of court. Thankyou to you all." - Michael

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"My honest opinion would be that this firm has changed my life they have got mine and my kids life back on track and wouldn't of done it with out there help!! Best lawyers I could wish for and my fight cld almost be over thanks to them!! Honestly if your are looking for a lawyer to fight your corner then this firm would certainly do that!! I'll be sad to see them go once the other 3 fights r over!! Thank you so so much from bottom of my heart!!"

FAQ

There are many questions you may have. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

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Each case has its own surrounding facts, circumstances and complexities.  As a result, each individual case will be considered and a fee agreed in relation to representation.   We offer an initial consultation which is free of charge with no obligations where an appropriate level of fee for representation can be agreed.

Even if you're working or planning to plead guilty, you may well be eligible for Legal Aid. If you are likely to qualify for Legal Aid, we will first discuss it with you. We will represent you at a competitive rate if you are not eligible for Legal Aid.

A Solicitor may accompany you if the Police want to interview you under caution. We are available 24/7 to accompany you to the Police Station. Our firm is registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board so that we can provide you with Legal Aid and attend the Police Station with you.

If you are detained at a police station or questioned by someone under their care, you have the right to receive free and independent legal advice. If ever you find yourself in such a situation, please don't hesitate to contact us for prompt assistance no matter what time it is.

CONTACT
Feel Free To Ask Something. We Are Here.

3b St James Street,
Paisley, PA3 2HL
Tel. 0141 370 0770

54 Hairst Street,
Renfrew, PA4 8QY
Tel. 0141 885 1212

Phone: +44 (0) 141 885 1212

RenfrewDefence@gmail.com

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