Sheelagh Cooley studied law at the University of Dundee before beginning her legal career with a traineeship in Edinburgh. She spent the first decade of her career at a respected Scottish independent law firm, specialising in real estate and real estate finance. During that time, a secondment to a leading City of London firm provided valuable insight into the workings of a global legal practice and helped shape her commercial outlook.
Sheelagh joined Shoosmiths over ten years ago, bringing her deep sector expertise and collaborative approach to the firm’s growing real estate team. Sheelagh’s clients include investors, developers and funders across the real estate sector, particularly in the living and renewable energy sectors. Her leadership and client focus led to her promotion to Partner, and she later took on the national role of Joint Head of Real Estate Finance. Most recently, she was appointed Head of the Edinburgh Office, where she continues to champion excellence, innovation, and inclusion across the firm.
Sheelagh is passionate about mentoring and is a committed advocate for social mobility within the legal profession. She actively supports initiatives that help open doors for aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds, believing that talent should never be limited by circumstance.
Outside of work, Sheelagh is a proud mother to two boys and values the balance between professional ambition and family life. She remains closely connected to her Northern Irish roots. Sheelagh’s career reflects a commitment to both technical excellence and people-first leadership.
