May's list of partner promotions, appointments and new hires as Scottish firms show sector is booming

May's list of partner promotions, appointments and new hires as Scottish firms show sector is booming

A gallery of the latest appointments and promotions can be found at the bottom of this list.

Aberdein Considine

Experienced commercial and banking lawyer Jamie Apted has joined Aberdein Considine as a partner in their Legal 500 Tier 1-ranked Lender Services team.

Mr Apted, who will be based in the firm’s Caddell House offices on Glasgow’s Waterloo Street, joins from the London Metal Exchange, having previously worked at the Financial Ombudsman Service and in private practice.

Elsewhere in the firm, 13 employees working from Aberdeen to Manchester have been elevated in a round of promotions.

Glasgow-based Ellen Masters has been promoted to Senior Associate in Banking Litigation, while Lindsey McDiarmid (Aberdeen) and Euan Forbes (Edinburgh) become Associates in Commercial Real Estate and Dispute Resolution, respectively.

Financial Controller Ben Smith, based in Aberdeen, becomes a Director, while his Edinburgh-based colleague Paul Cheyne, Finance Operations Manager, is promoted to Associate Director.

Meanwhile, the following eight colleagues have been elevated to Senior Solicitor: Employment lawyers Amanda Paterson (Aberdeen) and Katy Sharpe (Edinburgh); Dispute Resolution solicitor Karen Little (Edinburgh); Conveyancing solicitors Attika Ahmad (Dyce) and Alannah Russell (Aberdeen); Private Client lawyers Kathryn Duncan (Edinburgh) and Emma Haverstock (Glasgow); and Commercial Real Estate solicitor for England and Wales Idrees Naeem (Manchester).

Ashurst

Global firm Ashurst has appointed 20 new partners with effect from May, including Jen McCormick in the Glasgow office who works in the Advanced Solutions practice group.

BBM Solicitors

BBM has announced that Tessa Till has been promoted to legal director.

Ms Till is a highly experienced Private Client specialist, advising on wills, succession and tax planning, trusts, executries, powers of attorney, and adults with incapacity matters.

Brodies LLP

Leading Scottish firm Brodies LLP has appointed a raft of new partners in a round of internal promotions, as well as appointing Iain Rutherford as chair.

Private client lawyers Nadine Walton and Stewart Gibson step up to partner, as do construction law expert Amy Pairman, banking and finance lawyer Peter Brading, rural business and natural capital specialist Andrew Askew Blain, corporate lawyer Duncan Cathie, and public law and housing expert Fiona McLeod.

The latest promotions come as disputes partner Iain Rutherford becomes the firm's new chair. Iain succeeds Christine O'Neill KC who steps down from the position having completed four three-year terms.

The firm's leadership team was also recently bolstered with the appointment of Julie McConnell, who joins Brodies as business development and marketing director. With more than 18 years' experience, Julie joined Brodies from global law firm White & Case LLP where she held both regional and global leadership positions.

BTO

Corporate lawyer Jen Paton has joined BTO as a partner. Awarded ‘Corporate Rising Star of the Year’ by The Legal 500 Scotland in 2024, the appointment of Ms Paton marks an “exciting addition to the firm’s diverse corporate division”.

Burges Salmon

Burges Salmon has announced the appointments of partner Dixcee Fast, experienced in advising on clean energy projects, and director Janice Napier, a commercial property lawyer with more than 20 years experience, in its real estate energy team.

Joining from Anderson Strathern, Ms Fast and Ms Napier will be based in the firm’s Edinburgh office and are joined by solicitor Caitlin Preston.

Elsewhere, Burges Salmon promoted four of its Edinburgh-based lawyers, with Claire Logue becoming partner and Lauren Winters, Penny Shannon and Helen Woodford becoming directors.

Burnett & Reid LLP

Burnett & Reid has today announced that Annabelle Gow will be appointed as a member of the LLP, effective June 1, 2025.

Annabelle brings over a decade of experience in Private Client law to the firm, and has been a trusted adviser to individuals and families across the north of Scotland. Her practice spans the full breadth of private client work, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and estate and succession planning, with particular expertise in supporting elderly and vulnerable clients through sensitive life transitions.

Known for her calm, compassionate, and pragmatic approach, Annabelle is especially passionate about care home and estate planning, and has extensive experience in helping clients manage complex personal and financial affairs. She regularly advises on the succession of farming partnerships, as well as personal succession planning for business owners. Annabelle also specialises in the administration of high-value, contentious, and technically complex estates, and in the preparation of tax-efficient Wills, lifetime Inheritance Tax strategies, and financial and welfare Powers of Attorney.

The firm said Annabelle’s decision to join Burnett & Reid from Harper MacLeod LLP reflects a shared commitment to delivering client-focused advice and building trusted, long-term relationships.

Dentons

Dentons has announced the promotion of two new partners in Scotland. Edinburgh-based Kirsty McBirnie and Glasgow-based Lorna Henderson, both in the Corporate Lending & Real Estate Finance practice, joined the Dentons partnership on 1 May 2025.

Claire Armstrong, Managing Partner for Scotland, said: "Lorna Henderson and Kirsty McBirnie bring exceptional expertise in domestic and international transactions that will enhance our ability to deliver strategic value to financial institutions and corporate clients across the region.” 

Digby Brown

Digby Brown Solicitors is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Partners following a record year of growth.

Rona Hayworth takes her position with the Foreign & Travel team in Edinburgh building on a 14-year career with the firm that began as a Paralegal. Theresa Mutapi’s appointment follows her consistent high standard of work and results within the firm’s Edinburgh Network team.

Further to new Partner promotions the firm is pleased to introduce the new role of Senior Associate acknowledging the significant contributions those appointed have made to the firm and their clients - a total of 13 people have been promoted to this new role.

In addition, six Associates and eight Senior Solicitors were promoted recognising excellence across the firm.

Fraser Oliver, Chief Executive at Digby Brown, said: “Rona, Theresa and our other team members are thoroughly deserving of their new positions.

"These appointments not only reflect the strength and dedication of our team - qualities that helped the firm recover a record £203million in damages for clients in 2024/25 - but also show the commitment the firm has to its people and the future.”

Family Law Matters

Family Law Matters has welcomed Zaynab Al Nasser as legal director at the specialist family law firm. Ms Al Nasser has over 12 years’ experience in the field and has previously served as president of Scottish Women in Business. She is currently a lay advisor to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and is certified by the Law Society of Scotland as a trauma-informed practitioner.

Harper Macleod LLP

Law firm Harper Macleod has announced the appointment of two new partners to its family law team. This reinforces the firm’s position as one of the largest family law teams in Scotland.

Jane Blackwood and Linda Walker, both promoted to partner, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new positions within the firm. Ms Blackwoord and Ms Walker both have accreditations from the Law Society of Scotland in family law and family mediation. 

Holmes Mackillop

Following a trio of solicitor appointments at the end of last year, Hannah McKay now joins the firm’s Johnstone branch as a solicitor in its property team, Grant Cairnduff joins the Milngavie branch as a solicitor in its property and private client teams, while Christina Bain joins Glasgow’s property team as a paralegal.

Levy & McRae

The firm announced the appointment of Malcolm Cannon as its new COO.

A former CEO of major Scottish businesses, industry representative bodies and legal businesses, Malcolm brings vast expertise working both in the public and private sectors.

His previous legal roles have included McLay Murray & Spens, ESPC and Simpson and Marwick.

David McKie, senior partner of the firm said “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Malcolm to the firm. His experience and skills in multiple sectors will enhance the holistic and innovative approach we have always taken to the business. He will help maintain and renew our focus as we enter new territories in the law with the advancement of digital technologies and flexible working arrangements.”

Malcolm Cannon said “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining such an innovative and forward-thinking firm. I was struck by the energy and enthusiasm of the firm, which is clear from its diverse and high profile practice areas. I look forward to working with L&M’s committed and driven team to maintain and enhance their reputation as one of the leading niche practices in Scotland.”

Lindsays

Leading independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays has today appointed a new Managing Partner elect.

Andrew Diamond, currently a Partner and the firm’s Head of Residential Property, will take up the role on October 1st.

He will succeed Alasdair Cummings, who is stepping aside after 14 years in the role - a period during which Lindsays has completed six mergers and seen annual turnover grow from £9m to almost £28m.

Mr Diamond, who joined Lindsays through its merger with MacLachlan and MacKenzie in 2012, aims for the firm to continue its growth organically, as well as through mergers and strong strategic hires.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role. I am very much the continuity candidate. And, while in politics that may not always be viewed favourably, it is a good thing for Lindsays. It’s business as usual here.

“We are clear in our identity as an independent Scottish firm, working with Scottish families and businesses. There will be no change to that. We will continue with steady, strategic growth on the same path as we have followed.”

Elsewhere, Lindsays has strengthened its Rural - Land and Business team with the appointment of a new Senior Associate.

Chloe Wales joins the leading independent Scottish firm from Brodies, where she was also part of the Rural team.

Ms Wales, who will be based in Edinburgh but working with clients across Scotland, has a strong track record of working with landowners, commercial lenders, private investment funds and asset managers.

She has over 15 years' experience working on rural property matters including purchase, sale and lease transactions for estates, farms and forestry. In addition, she has acted in connection with renewable energy projects and agricultural holdings.

Ledingham Chalmers

Full-service law firm Ledingham Chalmers has announced one of its largest promotion rounds, with 11 legal professionals stepping up across Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Inverness.

Those promoted to senior solicitor are — Laila Kennedy and Mitchel Bell (litigation, Edinburgh); Taylor Morrison (commercial property), Gavin Matheson (corporate), and Clair Stirton (private client), all Aberdeen

Meanwhile in the Aberdeen private client team, Hollie Hutchison is promoted to associate.

Five colleagues are promoted to senior associate: in Inverness, they are Irene Walker (commercial property) and Laura Marwick (private client) and from Aberdeen, Jenna Hendry (private client), Anna Moir (rural), and Claire Woodward (residential property) all step up.

Chair and partner Craig Pike said: "These promotions are a milestone for the firm. Each colleague has contributed to our success, and it’s right to recognise their achievements. Congratulations, everyone. It’s great to have you on the team.”

McCash & Hunter

The firm welcomes Duncan Mackinnon to its Family Law department as a Consultant.

Mr Mackinnon has been practising in Child Law since 1991 and has been a Law Society accredited specialist in the field for many years.

McKee Campbell Morrison

MCM Solicitors has appointed Nicola Ker as head of its private client department and board of directors. She brings a wealth of private client expertise, including on the creation and management of trusts, establishing family investment companies, administering complex and high-value estates, preparing wills and powers of attorney and providing inheritance tax advice.

Murray Beith Murray

Edinburgh-based private client firm, Murray Beith Murray, is delighted to announce that three Senior Solicitors have been promoted to Associate. Anna MacLeod, Sally Scott Lintott and Adam Swayne took up their new roles in April 2025.

Pinsent Masons

Pinsent Masons has announced two partner appointments for its Aberdeen office.

Energy sector specialist Chris Sawyer has joined the firm’s corporate team while former Burness Paull director Gillian Harrington joins as a partner to lead the Granite City-based employment team.

Both appointments have been described as “headline hires” by Pinsent Masons partner and Aberdeen head of office Richard Scott.

Scullion LAW

Scullion LAW has announced the promotion of Stephanie Grieve from senior solicitor to associate director. Earlier this year, Ms Grieve won the prestigious Military Values in Business Award at the Scottish Forces in Business Awards 2025. This accolade celebrates the outstanding contributions of the Armed Forces community in the business world.

She said: “I am honoured to step into the role of Associate Director and grateful for the support of an incredible team that continues to inspire and challenge me.

“Scullion LAW has given me the opportunity to thrive and develop my passion, particularly with respect to representing more members of the Armed Forces. I look forward to making a meaningful impact as we continue to grow and innovate together.”

Shakespeare Martineau

Shakespeare Martineau has appointed Fiona Pask as its new head of Scotland. Based at the firm’s Edinburgh office, she will lead the firm’s drive to grow its practice north of the border, building client relationships and developing talent. Ms Pask has nearly 20 years experience in the legal profession and is an experienced litigator with expertise in dispute resolution.

She said: “Scotland presents huge opportunities for the firm and I’m looking forward to growing our talented team, developing our service offering, and deepening our local and national relationships. The calibre of clients we work with and the support from our UK-wide network give us a strong platform to drive continued growth.”

Elsewhere, dual-qualified legal director Nicky Grant, who is based in Edinburgh, has been promoted to partner and head of the commercial real estate team.

Shepherd and Wedderburn

Earlier this month, Shepherd and Wedderburn announced partner and director promotions. Gavin Charlton in the employee share incentives team was promoted to Partner, while Pamela Binnie from Property and Infrastructure and Roddy Forgie from Media and Technology became Legal Director.

Shepherd and Wedderburn also confirmed the appointment of project finance specialist Graham Young as the latest Partner to join its Clean Energy team.

Graham brings extensive experience in complex banking and finance transactions, and his technical skillset and sector expertise have earned him a strong reputation among peers and clients.

“Knowing the calibre of clients and projects associated with the firm, I am delighted to be joining the clean energy team at Shepherd and Wedderburn,” Graham said. 

Shoosmiths

Ben Harper-Phillips has been appointed as a principal associate in Shoosmiths real estate practice in Scotland after relocating from Australia where he built a reputation has one of the country’s leading practitioners in the field. He is joined by Gillian Watson, also appointed as principal associate. Formerly of Brodies, she is dual-qualified and will support clients north and south of the border.

Earlier this year, Sheelagh Cooley was appointed head of Shoosmiths in Edinburgh. Part of a planned rotation of the head of office position, she has stepped into the role during a period of sustained growth for Shoosmiths in Scotland.

Finally, Katie Milner has been appointed as an associate based in the Edinburgh office. She has experience in investment and asset management. She will work with fellow new hire, Rebecca McGregor who joined from BTO, to advise senior colleagues on housebuilding, development, real estate finance and corporate occupier matters.

Stronachs

Independent law firm, Stronachs has recognised the growth and contribution of team members across several departments in its latest round of promotions – reinforcing the firm’s commitment to developing talent and supporting long-term career progression.

Sarah McPherson has been promoted to senior associate within the dispute resolution team. Emily Terry and Laura Gray become associates in the respective private client and agriculture teams. Jonathan MacAulay, Robbie Matthews, and Lewis Needle have each been promoted to senior solicitor in the corporate team. Sarah Dillon-Moir has also been promoted to senior solicitor within commercial property.

TC Young

As part of the firm’s continued growth, TC Young has announced the promotion of four key staff members. Evelyn Wallace has been promoted to the position of Senior Associate. Ms Wallace joined TC Young in 2017, has over 10 years of family law experience. Based in our Glasgow office, she advises clients on divorce, child contact, residence disputes, and cohabitation issues.

In the Edinburgh office, Fiona McGougan and Sarah Jamieson have been promoted to the position of Associate. Ms McGougan joined the firm in 2020 and has over six years’ experience in commercial conveyancing.

Ms Jamieson joined TC Young as a Trainee in 2019, qualifying in 2021. A key member of our Edinburgh Private Client team, she advises clients on matters related to residential property, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Executries.

Meanwhile, Jenna Mackle has been promoted to the position of Senior Solicitor. She joined TC Young in 2019 and is an integral member of our specialist Adults with Incapacity Team.

Thompsons Solicitors Scotland

Thompsons Solicitors Scotland has announced the appointment of new partner Amy Gannon.

Ms Gannon will be joining the firm’s life impact team. Led by equity partner Laura Connor the life impact team recently secured the historic settlement for survivors of abuse at Celtic Boys Club.

Ms Gannon has specialised in personal injury litigation for over 13 years and has extensive experience in high value traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation cases. 

Thorntons Law LLP

Thorntons announced the appointment of Ricardo Matteo as a partner in the newly established banking team. With extensive experience in banking and finance, his appointment to the post in the Glasgow office will focus on complex transactional work.

TLT

National law firm TLT has appointed commercial real estate and investment expert, Colin Brown, as Partner, strengthening the firm’s national real estate offering and boosting its cross-jurisdictional capabilities. Colin will be based in the firm’s Edinburgh office. 

Colin joins TLT from Burness Paull, where he specialised in advising institutional investors on the acquisition, disposal, leasing and development of commercial properties including shopping centres, hotels, retail parks, office buildings and development sites. He has also acted for a number of agricultural clients.

Mr Brown joins TLT from Burness Paull, where he specialised in advising institutional investors on the acquisition, disposal, leasing and development of commercial properties including shopping centres, hotels, retail parks, office buildings and development sites.

Weightmans

Weightmans has announced a raft of new partner appointments that will strengthen its go-to-market strategy and help meet demand for its growing sector services.

In the firm’s health sector, Damian Whitlam joins the Leeds team from Browne Jacobson. A clinical negligence specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Damian will help maintain Weightmans’ market-leading legal services for NHS Resolution and other healthcare indemnity providers, as well as helping to grow the firm’s insurance med-mal offering. In addition, Neil Bhan joins the expanding pensions practice in London from Capsticks, with extensive experience of working with the NHS and other healthcare employers.

As part of plans to grow the firm’s private client practice in Scotland, Donna Brennan, formerly of Blackadders, joins the team in Glasgow, specialising in complex private wealth matters, and advising on all aspects of succession planning, tax issues and the creation and management of trusts.

Elsewhere, Douglas Marshall joins the energy and utilities team in Birmingham, Paul Luukas joins the insolvency and recoveries team based in Liverpool, and competition law specialist Angela Gregson joins the Manchester office, aiming to grow the practice and maintain the firm’s tier 1 status in competition law.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has announced two new hires and 14 promotions across the business.

The firm, which recently completed a deal to join forces with Davidson Chalmers Stewart, says the news is a clear signal of its commitment to continued growth and nurturing talent.

Kathleen Waller joins WJM as a Senior Legal Director, bringing a wealth of experience in non-contentious construction contracts.

The firm’s rural property expertise has also been bolstered with the appointment of Eilidh Campbell, a specialist in rural business law, who takes up the role of Associate based in the firm’s Inverness office.

In the corporate team WJM’s Fergus Hollins steps up to Senior Associate, and several other promotions have been made from the former DCS team who have now joined the WJM Corporate team - Alexander Campbell and Vicky Ward who are promoted to Senior Associate, Catherine Feechan who steps up to Senior Legal Director and Michelle McMahon who becomes Senior Paralegal.

In the Conflict Resolution Team, WJM’s Iona Whyte is now Associate in the Family Law team and Hilary Steer becomes a Senior Solicitor. From the team joining the CRG team from DCS, Caroline Matthews is now Senior Associate.

In the Commercial Property team, Ellis Walls and Lisa Graham have advanced to Senior Associate; Lisa Kitson, Lizzy Enayati and Stephanie Mackenzie to Senior Director; and Louise Brennan and Jacob Ramsay, who carry out residential conveyancing work, both become Senior Paralegals.