New face at the top for law firm Ledingham

Young, 42, who joined the firm as a solicitor in 1995, will take over in January. Laing will remain with the firm and continue his client-facing work.

Citing “exciting and challenging times for Scottish law firms”, the group added that profits had risen 2.5 per cent to £3.5 million in the year to end of March 2011.

Laing said Young has “developed a superb reputation in Scotland as a specialist in construction law and combined this with a keen interest in the leadership of business organisations”.

Another firm, Brodies, today opened doors on its office in Brussels, adding that it has become the only Scottish legal firm with an office there. The firm said the move will enhance service to its Scottish clients requiring advice on EU regulation, competition and public law.

The new venture is led by partners Mark Clough QC and Christine O’Neill. The firm said the office will also help clients to influence European policy, giving Scottish businesses a direct presence in Brussels and representation in cases involving the EU Commission and Council in the European courts.

Elsewhere, Tods Murray has reported a 7 per cent rise in turnover to £13.1 million, with profit up 50 per cent to £3.1m, according to accounts being lodged for the 12 months to 31 March 2011.

David Dunsire, executive partner, said the law firm’s positive financial performance was fuelled by an increase in demand for its services, including a rise in instructions from London law firms seeking specialist banking and commercial property expertise.

The firm said that rural property work was up by 25 per cent and employment up 20 per cent, while other practice groups had seen “solid” returns for the year.

Meanwhile, law firm McGrigors has announced the promotion of six lawyers into its partnership.

Rodney Whyte, an Aberdeen-based real estate solicitor, is the sole promotion in Scotland.