About us

History

Founded in 1882 by John Bannatyne Anderson, the Firm added the name Goodlad when the present Partner’s grandfather, the late Peter Goodlad, joined the Firm in the 1930s.

In 2016 the Firm became a sole Partner practice upon the retirement of Kathryn Gordon’s partners, James Mouat Goodlad (her father) and Linda Ann Knarston.

In November 2025 the Firm became a two Partner practice with Vaila Robertson becoming a Partner.

As Shetland’s longest established firm, our office has always been located in the heart of Lerwick, first at 58 and now at 52 Commercial Street, Lerwick. Being in the centre of town, banks, building societies and other business organisations are easily accessible.

Partners

Kathryn G. Gordon, Partner, graduated in Aberdeen, trained and has been with Anderson & Goodlad since 2002. Prior to joining the firm, she graduated from Robert Gordon University with an Honours degree in Technology and Business and worked for a number of years as a project engineer in the oil industry in Aberdeen. Thereafter, she read law at the University of Aberdeen, where she also undertook her Diploma.

She completed her traineeship with the firm in 2004 and became a partner of Anderson & Goodlad in 2008. From 2010 to 2015 she was Honorary Procurator Fiscal and she is the current Dean of the Faculty of Solicitors in Shetland. Her main areas of practice are civil court practice, family law, conveyancing, both commercial and domestic, private client (including Wills and Powers of Attorney) and debt recovery.

Vaila M. Robertson, Partner, first joined the Firm as a student in 2005 whilst studying at Edinburgh University. Following the completion of her LLB (Hons) Degree and subsequent Diploma in Legal Practice in 2009, she commenced her Traineeship with the Firm, becoming fully qualified in 2011. Vaila became a Partner of the Firm in November 2025.

Vaila’s area of work include conveyancing, crofting, executry administration, Wills and Powers of Attorney.

In addition to her role in the Firm, she is a Trustee of Relationship Scotland (Shetland) formerly Shetland Family Mediation.

Staff Jacqui Smith joined the Firm as a Legal Secretary/Receptionist in 2007 having moved to Shetland from Sydney, Australia. In addition to this position, she is also the Property Officer and deals with the estate agency and marketing of properties including the photography.

Yvonne Leask has been Legal Cashier within the Firm dealing with the general day to day running of the finances and Estate Administrator since 2010 after joining the Firm as a Legal Secretary/Receptionist in 2007 upon completing her education.

Vicky Arthur joined the Firm in 2010 as a Legal Secretary/Receptionist after completing her education and, thereafter, working as a salesperson in the fishing industry.