Hanne Mällinen-Scott

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I provide honest, accurate and expert advice without encouraging clients to pursue unrealistic goals or incur unnecessary costs through protracted litigation. My long experience in the field has taught me that every case is unique, every client’s needs distinct and every experience different. This means that I am able to tailor my practice to serve my clients’ individual circumstances. I am a firm believer in a holistic approach to legal practice, and work hard to alleviate stress, exercise compassion and identify empathetically with my clients. In short, I will fight your corner. I always aim to secure the most cost-effective outcome, ideally settling out of court where possible. It is a cliché, but true nonetheless: my clients’ best interests come first.

Hanne Mällinen-Scott is a Partner at Spencer West LLP. She joined the firm in March 2021.

Prior to moving to Kent from Northern Finland, Hanne studied nursing, training in the mental health sector, and subsequently gained experience in both NHS and private hospitals.

Before qualifying as a solicitor in 2008, Hanne studied law at the University of Kent and went on to work as a trainee at a leading Kent-based law firm where she later became a partner and Head of Litigation Department.

Hanne then moved on to work for a number of years in the litigation department of a very well-known London law firm. Her years of experience in nursing, and later her legal career in litigation, have equipped her with excellent client care skills and an ability to deal with complex issues. Her nuanced understanding of personal issues has made her a caring, compassionate and empathetic lawyer. She is supportive and will always give whatever time it takes to help her clients through difficult times whilst fighting fearlessly to protect their best interests.

Hanne advises clients on a wide range of family matters, inclusive of divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships, financial disputes, co-habitation and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. She also deals with children’s matters, has in-depth experience of advising on domestic violence issues, and provides assistance to clients in relation to injunctions such as occupation and non-molestation orders.

Hanne’s practice also includes a wide range of Civil Litigation matters, and she welcomes instructions on civil injunctions and contract and boundary disputes.

Hanne is a member of Resolution, the national organisation for professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve problems in a pragmatic and constructive way.

Hanne is in the process of completing Higher Rights of Audience, having already passed her practical exams on the course. This will grant her the right to represent clients in the courts directly, from the first to the final hearing; clients will be dealing with the same person all the way through the journey.

Hanne provides her clients with sympathetic, steadfast, expert guidance at what is often a very stressful and emotional time.

Practice Areas

Dispute Resolution Family & Divorce Private Wealth

Client Feedback

Your professionalism and expertise have been so appreciated. It’s obvious to say I couldn’t have done it without you, but I am so truly grateful for your support throughout and the way you have handled everything. The letter you sent to my now ex-husband’s solicitor with our final offer was so brilliantly written and I vow to find my inner Hanne if I ever draft anything in the future where I need to make my point known!

I found this divorce such a horrendous thing to go through and you guided me through the whole thing so well. I just wanted to thank you for being so fantastic at your job! Although ‘thank you’ doesn’t quite seem enough.”

Hanne has provided a professional yet also personal approach to helping guide me through an extremely difficult divorce. During an emotionally heart-breaking time, particularly when children are involved, she has remained steadfast in her guidance, committed in her support, and never failed to respond, advise and be there for me over the course of more than two years. She took the inundation of information in her stride and focused on the important aspects quickly to help us focus on the key issues needed. I genuinely feel lucky that Hanne represented us through such a difficult time.”

After instructing Hanne, she soon made me feel at ease for what was a difficult and stressful process of divorce. I have a progressive illness and found that she explained everything, giving clear advice, helping me to gain confidence and take control with making decisions, which I feel is very important.

Hanne is very efficient and returned emails and phone calls very promptly with a friendly response.

The whole process was made easier to cope with as I found Hanne to be very patient, understanding and very supportive. I felt extremely lucky to have had her as my solicitor for one of the worse periods of my life, which is thankfully over.”

During the ensuing three-year dispute, Hanne sustained our spirits with professionalism applied with a reassuring personal touch.

Her resolute pursuit of our case, liaising with our opponents and surveyors from both sides, and including site visits, finally bore fruit. An agreement was drafted and signed and now a fence exists on the true boundary. Hanne would be an asset and credit to any company she joined and a real benefit to their clients.”