HBJ Gateley boosts team with seven senior hires

Law firm HBJ Gateley has announced seven senior hires, including six partners, and said it was keen to add more people to its team.

HBJ Gateley managing partner Malcolm McPherson. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The latest hires are Glasgow-based Nick Taylor and Paul Ockrim, who both join from property-focused outfit Leslie Wolfson & Co.

In Edinburgh, the firm has brought on board intellectual property specialist Helena Brown from Burness Paull, and former McClure Naismith banking partner John Blackwood.

Corporate restructuring partner Addi Shamash, promoted from senior associate in Edinburgh, has joined HBJ Gateley’s Aberdeen office along with former Subsea 7 in-house counsel consultant Alison Sim and consultant Philip Argo.

HBJ Gateley senior partner Malcolm McPherson said: “We’ve focused very hard on hiring the right people and keeping a firm hand on the tiller to ensure strong cashflow. Quality advisors who can win work and earn the trust of clients is something of a magic potion which isn’t always easy to get right. We look very closely at who fits our business and we move quickly to get them on board, and we spot internal talent which we can nurture from early in their careers.

“We have grown strongly across the practice and we’re confident of the outlook for the rest of the year. These appointments absolutely reflect the requirements of clients and we’ll continue to look for people who can contribute to the growth of the firm.”