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40 Years
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Emergency
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Expert Legal Services in Glasgow
Established in 1986, JC Hughes is a progressive law firm based in Glasgow. Our reputation has been built through long-term client relationships, many spanning generations. We specialise in criminal law, family law, accident and personal injury claims, civil law, children's hearings, and mental health law. Regulated by The Law Society of Scotland, we adhere to strict professional standards. Our approach combines detailed legal advice with practical solutions, ensuring clarity for clients facing complex issues. We prioritise accessibility, offering 24/7 support as legal problems often arise outside standard hours.

Our team's expertise spans high-profile criminal cases, family court matters, and mental health tribunal representation. We maintain offices in Tollcross, Parkhead, and Rutherglen to better serve our clients. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition, including the launch of the Young Scot Law Line in 2014. We combine decades of experience with a client-focused ethos, ensuring every case receives meticulous attention regardless of complexity.
Services
Criminal Law Divorce/Family Law Accident Claims Road Traffic Law Children's Hearings Mental Health Law Powers of Attorney Guardianships
Details
  • Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
  • We offer 24/7 legal support for urgent matters
  • Our team has over 35 years of combined experience
  • Specialist divisions in criminal, family, and mental health law
  • Client-focused approach with generational client relationships
  • Free Young Scot Law Line for 11-26 year olds
Associations and certifications
  • The Law Society of Scotland
Services
Criminal Law
We provide robust criminal defence representation in courts across Scotland. Our team handles high-profile cases and complex prosecutions. With decades of experience, we ensure clients receive rigorous legal advocacy and strategic advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
Family Law
Our experienced family law team specialises in divorce proceedings and child custody matters. We offer practical solutions for complex family disputes. Our approach prioritises client needs while maintaining professional representation in sensitive situations.
Mental Health Law
We represent clients in mental health tribunal proceedings across Scotland. Our specialists provide expert legal guidance for mental health-related legal matters. With over 25 years' experience, we ensure proper legal protections for vulnerable individuals.
Children's Hearings
Our solicitors handle children's panel cases with particular sensitivity. We provide legal representation for child welfare matters and family court proceedings. Our team has extensive experience in Scotland's child protection legal framework.
Powers of Attorney
We advise on power of attorney arrangements and guardianship applications. Our legal experts ensure compliance with mental health and incapacity regulations. We help clients establish proper legal frameworks for vulnerable individuals and their families.
People
John McLaughlin
Managing Director
Qualified in 1989, John is an experienced criminal defence lawyer with expertise in high-profile cases. He also represents clients in family courts and Children's Panel cases, bringing rigorous legal analysis to all matters.
Mark Connolly
Partner
A 1998 graduate, Mark leads our Rutherglen office with 20+ years' experience in criminal and family law. He specialises in Parole Board representations and Mental Health Tribunal cases, providing expert legal counsel.
Ian McClelland
Partner
With 25+ years' experience, Ian specialises in criminal defence and mental health law. Based in Tollcross, he regularly represents clients in Scotland's mental health tribunals, combining legal expertise with client-focused advocacy.
Stephen Hotchkiss
Family Law Team Head
Leading our family law team since 1996, Stephen specialises in divorce and child custody cases. His meticulous approach ensures thorough preparation for personal injury and family court proceedings.
Clare Kerr
Solicitor
Qualified in 2024, Clare represents clients in criminal, family, and mental health courts. Based in Rutherglen, she brings fresh expertise to children's panel hearings and tribunal proceedings.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal law, family law, mental health law, children's hearings, and powers of attorney. Our solicitors have decades of experience across these key legal areas.
Are you available outside normal office hours?
Yes, our 24/7 freephone line (0800 279 3090) ensures legal support is always available. Our offices in Glasgow operate with round-the-clock availability.
Do you offer services for young people?
Yes, we run the Young Scot Law Line providing free legal advice for 11-26 year olds. This service was officially launched in 2014 by Scotland's most senior judge.
Where are your offices located?
We have three Glasgow offices: Tollcross (G32 8UW), Parkhead (G31 8JU), and Rutherglen (G73 2JH). All locations offer expert legal representation and support.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our solicitors have combined experience spanning over 100 years. Team members include specialists with 20+ years' experience in criminal courts and mental health tribunals.
Can you handle urgent legal matters?
Yes, we provide immediate legal support for emergencies. Our 24/7 service ensures clients receive timely assistance for urgent criminal, family, or mental health cases.