Mary Gaskins is a Partner based in Birketts’ Bristol office. She joined the firm following a successful career at Burges Salmon, where she trained and later became a Director, before going on to practise as a Partner at a boutique family law firm.
Mary has more than 15 years’ post‑qualification experience and practises exclusively in family law. Her work focuses on the legal and financial consequences of relationship breakdown, with particular expertise in the resolution of financial claims arising from divorce and separation.
She specialises in complex financial cases, including those involving pensions, business interests and trusts, as well as financial claims on behalf of children. Coming from a farming background, Mary also has notable experience in farming and equine matters. She regularly acts for business owners, including dentists and medical professionals.
Mary is robust in her approach and is not afraid to fight for her clients where court proceedings are necessary, but she is equally skilled at recognising when a non‑court resolution is more appropriate. She regularly assists clients with asset protection, advising on both pre‑nuptial and post‑nuptial agreements, and represents clients in children matters, including applications under the Children Act.
Mary is an Accredited Mediator and conducts all forms of family mediation, including mediations relating to financial claims on divorce, disputes arising from cohabitation and issues concerning children arrangements. She is a member of Bristol Family Law Solutions, a group established to help separating couples explore constructive alternatives to court following relationship breakdown.
Recent work highlights
Acting in a highly contentious multi‑proceedings case, including financial remedy proceedings involving complex business assets, alongside Children Act proceedings with allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and parental alienation.
Representing a client in a complex cross‑border forum non conveniens dispute, involving dual proceedings in England and South Africa.
Advising in a complex farming case involving substantial inherited assets and contested issues relating to conduct.
Experience & education
2026 Partner, Birketts
2024 – 2026 Partner, Brigstow Family Law
2020 – 2024 Director, Burges Salmon
2016 – 2020 Senior Associate, Burges Salmon
2013 – 2016 Associate, Burges Salmon
2008 – 2013 Trainee Solicitor, Solicitor, Burges Salmon
2007 – 2008 College of Law Birmingham, LPC (distinction)
2004 – 2007 University of Birmingham, LLB Law (First Class)
Areas of Expertise
Accreditations
Doyle’s Guide 2026
Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer
Chambers [UK 2026]
Ranked
Family Mediation Council
Accredited Mediator
Resolution
Member
Mary is a standout lawyer. She has a superb legal mind with great attention to detail. She understands the key issues in a case which enables her to see the answer to a case early on. She is an asset on any case.
Legal 500 [UK 2024]