Harper Macleod has become the first law firm to be awarded the Highland Employer Charter Gold accreditation, recognising the firm’s commitment to high-quality employment practices, people development and positive engagement across the Highlands.
The Charter, established by The Highland Council last year, is built around four key employer commitments:
- Fair Pay – paying all staff the Real Living Wage.
- Employ Highland – supporting local workforce development, including engagement with schools, colleges, and third‑sector volunteering.
- Procure Highland – strengthening Highland supply chains and delivering community benefits.
- Employer of Choice – investing in staff and ensuring fair work practices that help attract and retain talent.
Beyond employment, the assessment process also highlighted the wider contribution that Harper Macleod makes to the local economy in Inverness. Through the firm’s ongoing presence and client engagement in the Highlands, Islands and Moray, it plays an important role in supporting the Highlands’ circular economy. This includes using a wide range of local suppliers such as hospitality venues, event spaces, catering companies, audio visual specialists and other service providers.
Harper Macleod’s approach to high-quality employment practices is illustrated in its decade-long support for the Modern Apprenticeship programme and long-term career progression opportunities. More than 100 people have progressed through the Modern Apprenticeship programme at Harper Macleod, and 39% have gone on to other roles in the business. Many of the firm’s senior leaders started their careers at Harper Macleod, including in the Highlands. It is also one of Scotland’s largest employers of legal graduates.
Chris Kerr, lead partner for the Highlands, Islands and Moray at Harper Macleod, said, “This Gold accreditation is a testament to the efforts of colleagues across Harper Macleod who support the firm’s work in the Highlands every day. It reflects the significant and lasting impact we have in the region, now recognised through this achievement and evidenced by the strength of our relationship with communities and businesses across the Highlands.”
Harper Macleod’s employment credentials also extend to its advice and support for clients. The firm has the only Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in employment law in the Highlands, Islands and Moray, Ewan Stafford, who advises clients across the north of Scotland.
Picture caption (left to right) – Ewan Stafford, Employment Law Partner, and Christine McKay, Learning and Development Manager (both Harper Macleod) receive the Highland Employment Charter from Derek Brown, Chief Executive of The Highland Council.