“Rachael Kelsey stands among the most influential family lawyers of her generation, combining international stature with exceptional expertise in complex family disputes. Renowned for her leadership in cross-border family law, high net worth divorce and jurisdictional challenges, she is trusted by clients and professionals alike for her strategic insight, innovative thinking and ability to navigate the most sophisticated cases with confidence, discretion and remarkable skill. Her impact on family law extends far beyond individual cases, helping shape the future of the profession both in Scotland and on the global stage.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Rachael Kelsey is a founding Partner of SKO Family Law Specialists and one of the most highly respected family lawyers in the United Kingdom. She advises clients on complex family law matters across Scotland, the UK and internationally, with particular expertise in high net worth divorce, cross-border family disputes and jurisdictional issues.

Recognised as the only Scottish lawyer ranked in Band 1 of the UK-wide Chambers High Net Worth Guide and the only Scottish family lawyer to achieve “Star Individual” status in Chambers, Rachael is frequently instructed in some of the most sophisticated family law cases in Scotland.

What Rachael Kelsey does

Rachael advises clients across the full spectrum of family law, including:

• High net worth divorce and separation
• International family law disputes
• Cross-border jurisdiction issues
• Financial provision on divorce
• Family law arbitration
• Same-sex relationship disputes
• Cohabitation claims
• Child-related disputes
• Family law appeals and expert opinions
• Privacy and reputation-sensitive family matters

Her work regularly involves complex cases with international dimensions, including disputes involving multiple jurisdictions, cross-border assets and competing court proceedings.

Why she stands out

Rachael is recognised not only for her legal expertise but also for her ability to find practical solutions to difficult problems.

Clients and fellow professionals consistently praise her ability to combine strategic thinking with empathy and commercial realism. She is particularly skilled at identifying innovative solutions that help clients achieve their objectives while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Chambers and The Legal 500 have both described her as:

“The doyenne of Scots family law.”

The 2024 Chambers High Net Worth Guide noted:

“Rachael is just outstanding in every way. She’s kind and insightful and has a great ability to see things from the client’s perspective.”

Another Chambers commentator described her as:

“The leading practitioner in the field in Scotland. Truly untouchable.”

Leader in international family law

Rachael is one of the UK’s leading specialists in international family law.

Many of her cases involve disputes over jurisdiction, cross-border financial claims and international family structures. She is frequently instructed where there are competing legal systems, international assets or complex questions regarding which country should deal with a family dispute.

Her expertise has earned her a national and international reputation, leading to referrals from lawyers, advisers and clients throughout the UK and beyond.

President of the International Academy of Family Lawyers

In 2023, Rachael made history when she was elected President of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

She became:

• The first Scottish lawyer ever elected President
• The only woman from the UK to hold the position in the organisation’s history
• One of the most influential family lawyers internationally

The IAFL is one of the most prestigious organisations in global family law, bringing together leading specialists from jurisdictions around the world.

Family law reform and leadership

Alongside her client work, Rachael has played a major role in shaping family law policy and practice in Scotland.

Her appointments and contributions include:

• Member of the Scottish Civil Justice Council Family Law Committee
• Participant in the Hague Conference Parentage and Surrogacy Project
• FLAGS Family Law Arbitrator and trainer
• Only Scottish arbitrator on the International Family Law Arbitration Scheme panel
• Past Chair of the Family Law Association
• Former Chair and Trustee of Family Mediation Lothian
• Former Treasurer of CALM Scotland

She is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern Scottish family law.

Recognition and awards

Rachael’s achievements have been recognised by leading legal directories, awards organisations and peers across the profession.

• Private Client Lawyer of the Year, Legal 500 Scottish Law Awards 2023
• Star Individual, Chambers & Partners
• Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth UK-wide Guide
• Top Recommended Family Lawyer, Spear’s 500
• President, International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
• The Times Scottish Lawyer of the Week

Legal 500 describes her as:

“A superstar… engaging, pragmatic and no-nonsense, yet also sensitive and responsive.”

Spear’s 500 notes:

“Likeable, and razor-sharp, few Scottish family lawyers operate at her level.”

Trusted adviser for complex and sensitive cases

Rachael is particularly sought after by clients who require discretion, strategic advice and sophisticated legal expertise.

She has extensive experience acting for individuals whose private lives attract public attention and understands the importance of protecting confidentiality while achieving successful outcomes.

Her combination of legal excellence, strategic judgement and practical common sense has made her one of the most trusted family lawyers in Scotland.