Thorntons hires Inverness team to set up new office

Thorntons has hired a 10-strong team from Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie as it sets up its first Inverness office.

Partners Paul Adams (head of office) and John Smart will lead the team, which will initially work from serviced office space while work takes place to fit out new modern premises within Beechwood Business Park, ready for spring 2024.

Both partners are experienced in commercial property, Mr Adams focusing on planning law. They will be joined by legal directors Yasmin Myles and Elisa Miller, paralegal Jennifer Callaghan and legal administrator Lucy Bird, all specialising in commercial real estate. Residential property associate Jenna Gallacher and residential conveyancing senior paralegal Hazel McGillivray also join Thorntons in Inverness alongside private client executry manager Anna MacLeod-Adams and trainee executry manager Krysty Steele.

The new practice will operate a full service legal model, offering private client services along with specialist commercial advice covering commercial real estate, agriculture, life sciences, energy and renewables, and hospitality. 

Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, commented: "It is tremendous to welcome such senior legal figures who are well-established in the local marketplace to Thorntons.

"The team on the ground will primarily focus on providing commercial real estate, planning, residential conveyancing and wills, powers of attorney and succession planning advice. Clients will also be able to benefit from the wider network of expertise in the firm such as employment law, dispute resolution, immigration and family law. We already support a variety of businesses, families, and individuals in the Highlands and establishing a permanent base in Inverness is the next step in growing our offering."

The office is Thorntons' 13th location and its first in the Highlands. The firm now has 72 partners and employs more than 550 people across Scotland.