MacRoberts makes four partners and readies for growth

CENTRAL belt law firm MacRoberts has promoted four of its more senior lawyers to partner status as it eyes growth in certain sectors of the legal market.

The promotions, which come against a difficult backdrop for Scots law firms, take MacRoberts’ tally of partners at its Edinburgh and Glasgow offices to 46.

Managing partner Craig Turnbull said: “No-one can deny times have been tough for law firms across Scotland in the last couple of years. However, we are confident that a number of sectors will grow in 2012.”

It was revealed last week that the firm suffered a 13 per cent drop in annual profits during the last financial year amid “continuing pressure” on corporate markets.

The new partners include Gillian Craig (commercial dispute resolution), Moray Thomson (planning and environment), Martyn Shaw (pensions and employee benefits) and Gina Wilson (employment).

Rival Morton Fraser has also bolstered its ranks, with the appointment of social housing specialist Kate Dewar to its public sector team.