SCOTTISH law firm Morisons has underscored its growth ambitions by announcing a move to bigger premises in Edinburgh and unveiling a host of senior appointments.
And, as leading players signalled this week that further consolidation in the Scottish legal scene is likely, the Edinburgh-based firm insisted it remains open to making acquisitions.
The firm is believed to see significant potential in offering a more personal and local service compared with by the biggest players in the Scottish market, some now led from London, with its succesful acquisitions in recent years of Edinburgh firms Bonar MacKenzie and Macrae, Flett and Rennie and before that, Maxwell and MacLaurin in Glasgow, giving it the platform to contemplate further deals.
Morisons will move from its current premises in the city's Queen Street for the second floor of 1 Exchange Crescent in Conference Square on Monday (May 25).
The new office will accommodate the 75 staff it employs at Erskine House as well as those who work between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The move coincides with several appointments, with Lucy Gannon promoted to partner in the firm's business team and Jacqueline McCluskey joining from HBJ Gateley as a partner specialising in employment law. Rachel MacDonald, previously with Thorley Stephenson, has joined the Morisons' family team as a solicitor, while Vicky Baird has moved from Thompsons to join the personal injuries team, also as a solicitor.
Morisons now has 19 partners and 100 staff across its offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Robin Valentine, a partner in the firm's commercial property department, said: "It's interesting times for the legal profession and we've strived in the past few years to ensure investment in the business even during challenging times through our staff and technology, which has been a game changer in our business.
"As well as contributing to our growth our acquisitions have enabled us to attract highly skilled people which is crucial as the industry starts to experience improving market conditions. And it's something we wouldn't rule out in the future if the right opportunity comes along."
Mr Valentine added: "We have terrific strengthened Edinburgh team, complementing our Glasgow base, and with our new office and an improved infrastructure we continue to build on our success."
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