Stephen McDonagh

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear partner, Stephen McDonagh.

Stephen had a remarkable life. Before he turned to law, he was a Club 18-30 rep in Spain, lived in Madrid for a while and had his own translation business. He was a teacher, a keen footballer, played rugby (Glasgow University Firsts) as well as being a gifted golfer.

Since joining us through the merger with Bell & Scott in 2010, Stephen became an integral part of our firm, not only as a fiercely intelligent and skilled lawyer, but as a mentor, teacher, and friend to so many.

Stephen’s expertise in commercial real estate was renowned, and his willingness to share his knowledge made him a pillar of support for our property teams and clients such as Crown Estate Scotland. Yet, his impact reached far beyond technical excellence. Stephen spearheaded our knowledge management function, championing our Sector Knowledge publication, the first of its kind in legal circles. He was always at the forefront of new ideas, recently pioneering the use of AI tools and exploring ways to support junior lawyers in the evolving legal landscape.

But what truly set Stephen apart was his character. Beneath his formidable intellect lay a dry wit and a sense of humour that brought joy to every conversation. He was humble, kind, and always ready with a word of encouragement or a listening ear.

Many of us found in Stephen not just a colleague, but a confidante – someone we could speak to without fear of judgment, knowing we’d be met with empathy and understanding. Even as he faced significant health challenges, Stephen’s resilience and humour never wavered. He met adversity head-on, inspiring us all with his courage and grace.

Stephen’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our firm. He served as our Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Head of Risk and Compliance, and most recently, Head of Knowledge and Development. He managed complex responsibilities with integrity and always put people first, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of learning and support. His passion for innovation and his genuine interest in people made every interaction with him both fun and enlightening.

Stephen was, quite simply, one of a kind – a big character, a generous mentor, and a loyal friend. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.