Bird Semple deal for Harper Macleod

Harper Macleod has expanded its private client practice after joining forces with venerable family wealth adviser Bird Semple.

The law firm, which acted as legal adviser to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, said the addition of Bird Semple’s 35 partners, lawyers and staff would help boost its turnover by about 10 per cent to more than £23 million and extend its service offering.

Lorne Crerar, chairman of Harper Macleod, said today’s deal was “one of the most significant developments” in its history.

He added: “Last year we announced our intention to significantly expand the firm and we have delivered on that promise. We’ve seen increasing demand from our clients for sophisticated legal services for individuals and their families, particularly relating to asset and wealth management.”

Bird Semple, with offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, traces its roots back to 1845. Managing partner Frank Fletcher said: “We believe that the interests of our clients are best served by combining our specialist expertise with that of colleagues in another strong and successful firm in Scotland.”