NewLaw expands Glasgow branch after moving office

SERIOus injury specialist NewLaw Scotland said yesterday it would create more jobs after moving into larger offices in Glasgow.

The Cardiff-based firm has switched its Scottish branch from St Vincent Street to West Nile Street as part of expansion plans. The legal practice expects to take on a further eight workers before the end of next year, adding to its existing complement of 18 solicitors, paralegals and support staff.

Paula McMillan, head of NewLaw Scotland, said: “The re-location to larger offices in Delta House marks a special time for us as we now have the space to expand our team in Glasgow.”

Helen Molyneux, one of the firm’s partners, added that the posts would be added across a range of departments, including personal injury and wills.

The company – which also has branches in Basingstoke and Bristol – already employs more than 300 staff in the UK.

News of the expansion will give a lift to the Scottish legal market, which has been battered during the financial crisis and ensuing recession.

Industry insiders have complained about there being too many lawyers left chasing too little work, while trainees have had their apprenticeships postponed or cancelled.

Commercial law firm Semple Fraser collapsed into administration in March, with the loss of 120 jobs, including 20 partners and 70 qualified legal staff.

Data issued earlier this week by Legal Business magazine showed contrasting fortunes for Scotland’s “big five” firms.

Brodies and Burness Paull grew their profits per equity partner after focusing on the Scottish market, while Dundas & Wilson, Maclay Murray & Spens, and Shepherd & Wedderburn – which all have London offices – posted dips in their earnings.