46 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Law Firm Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Scotland): Gemma Baillie A more than 250-year legacy of trusted advisory has seen McLean & Stewart carve out a reputation for itself as one of Scotland’s most renowned and established law firms. Thus, when Gemma Baillie joined the firm as a trainee in 2008, she knew she had a lot to live up to. Becoming partner in what is today an extremely high performing team[GB1.1], we caught up with Gemma for more on her journey as she is recognised as the Law Firm Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Scotland) in our Influential Businesswoman Awards. Contact: Gemma Baillie Company: McLean & Stewart Web Address: https://mcleanandstewart.co.uk/ Growing up in the small town of Kirkintilloch and attending a local high school, Gemma Baillie was repeatedly told that she did not have the background to find success in the legal industry, meaning she had to work harder to get to the starting line. Being brought up by two wonderful parents helped, and Gemma was the first in her family to gain a degree. She came to Dunblane in 2008, starting as a solicitor in McLean & Stewart that May. Three years into her tenure with the firm, a major reorganisation gave Gemma the chance to invest in owning a company, even before she had bought her first house. 2011 would also see Gemma make partner, and being just 25 at the time, she was certainly one of the youngest partners in Scotland, if not the youngest. This is a feat Gemma would not have been able to achieve were it not for the people around her, something reflected in her motto of “what you achieve, you achieve through great people.” With these individuals by her side, Gemma has played a huge part in growing the firm from strength to strength, supported by an all-women team who are committed to the strategic direction of McLean & Stewart but also the future of the entire legal profession. As for what sets McLean & Stewart apart, Gemma believes its success is down to how it treats people. She explained: “Our clients are important to us; they are undoubtably our biggest cheerleaders. I am fortune enough to act for a wide range of clients and on a very wide range of legal problems. My aim is to do so with care and compassion.” The fact that the firm’s origins date back to 1745 also distinguish it, but the team behind McLean & Stewart are not the sort to rest on its laurels[GB2.1]. Gemma mentions that “Leadership is not about one person, it is about the strength character and commitment of the people around you.” To this point, its standing in today’s modern legal industry can be attributed largely to a blend of investments in marketing and technology, such as the new, intuitive website it recently unveiled. In redefining its online presence and showcasing its ability to stay ahead in a landscape that is constantly evolving, McLean & Stewart is driving accessibility. This digital footprint helps, but it is nothing without the powerhouse team backing it up. The success story of one particular team member, who transitioned from working at a local cafe to becoming a qualified paralegal and is now starting a law degree, is a shining example of the firm’s commitment to empowerment. As Gemma explained: “McLean & Stewart’s emphasis on personal and professional growth is a hallmark of our ethos. By providing opportunities for team members to evolve and grow within the organisation, we not only foster loyalty but also create an environment of collective achievement.” Remarkably, all of this is just the beginning for Gemma, who is also a trustee of the Sophie North Charitable Trust, the company secretary of the Dunblane Centre, and works closely with Strathcarron Hospice in Falkirk. The former is a charity established in honour of the memory of Sophie North, who was one of 16 pupils killed during the shooting at Dunblane Primary School in March 1996, and raises money for children’s diseases, children’s hospices, caring for the terminally ill, and more. The Dunblane Centre is a community space established using the funds generated from all over the world following the aforementioned school shooting, and Gemma is delighted to support it with pro bono legal work. Similarly, her time at Strathcarron Hospice[GB3.1] helping patients get their legal matters in order, again on a pro bono basis, is another example of her dedication to local communities. Leaving us with some advice picked up over the course of what has been a diverse and wildly impressive career across the legal industry and beyond, Gemma commented on the necessity of the right strategies and support to empower women to achieve lasting success. She has certainly achieved this through McLean & Stewart, making Gemma Baillie more than fitting of the title of Law Firm Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Scotland).
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