Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers today (4th April) announces partner Craig Pike is promoted to head of its private client team.
Mr Pike joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2005, qualifying in 2007, and was promoted to partner in 2015.
The private client team advises individuals on the likes of wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, trusts and executries as well as inheritance tax and succession planning. It also covers rural and residential property matters.
The University of Aberdeen graduate is chairman of Aberdeen Performing Arts — the organisation overseeing His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree. He is also clerk and assessor of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, continuing an unbroken line of lawyers from his firm, and its predecessors, going back to 1888.
Reflecting his interest in the wellbeing of older people in the community, Mr Pike is a trustee of Northcote Lodge Care Home in Aberdeen, and is on the local steering group for Alzheimer Scotland.
His promotion on 1 April follows the retiral of previous team head, partner Douglas Watson, who joined Ledingham Chalmers in 2011. Mr Watson will continue with the organisation on a consultancy basis.
Managing partner Jennifer Young said: “Craig is an incredible asset to the firm, and our clients have seen the benefit of his compassionate, straightforward advice from the outset when he was a trainee, through the years to his promotion to partner and — now — as head of team.
“He is an exceptionally supportive, knowledgeable and respected colleague and — under his leadership — the private client discipline will continue to play an integral part in our nationwide growth plans.”
Retirals
Partner Alasdair MacLure from the Aberdeen commercial property team is also retiring.
Mr MacLure has been with Ledingham Chalmers for more than 30 years and will also work with the firm on a consultancy basis.
Mrs Young added: “Both Doug and Alasdair have made a huge contribution to our success. I’d like to thank them for their energy, counsel, and considerable support over the years.”
Promotions
Also, effective as of 1 April, seven other lawyers have been promoted.
Five are part of the private client team, including specialisms in residential property and rural work. In Aberdeen, Jenna Hendry, James Florance and Claire Woodward make the move to associate, while Hannah Black and Joanna Milne step up to senior solicitor.
Meanwhile there are two promotions in the commercial property discipline: Mhari Michie in Aberdeen and Graeme Myles in Inverness are now both senior associates.
Trainees
Four second-year trainees will stay with the firm when they qualify in October.
Holly Allan-Hardisty joins the family team; Gavin Matheson takes up a position in corporate; Hannah Patience is set to become a solicitor in the private client team, and Jessica Sunassee-Mackey will work in litigation.
Growth background
Today’s announcement comes during a time of significant growth for Ledingham Chalmers as it looks to double revenue to £25million by 2025.
The firm says a key part of reaching that goal is actively pursuing acquisition and merger opportunities across Scotland — including in the Central Belt.
Last November, it announced its acquisition of Anderson Shaw & Gilbert in Inverness, creating a business with an annual turnover of around £14million.
And, in terms of the growing private client team, Lisa Law joined the firm as partner earlier this year to help lead the private client team in Inverness, working alongside partner JP Campbell. Meanwhile senior associate Suzie Falconer came on board in Stirling to broaden the offering there.
Growth plans
Mrs Young said: “Growth depends on having the right people in the right roles, and we have thoroughly impressive colleagues working with us during what is an exciting period for our firm, but also at a time when we’re operating against the backdrop of an incredibly competitive recruitment and client retention market.
“All of these promotions and appointments recognise the talent of each of these remarkable lawyers and their contribution to the firm, and its ambitious growth plans. Congratulations to them all.”
Ledingham Chalmers — which has a headcount of 205 including 28 partners — is actively recruiting for legal posts across all its teams and offices in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Stirling.
The full-service firm works with individuals as well as public sector organisations, SMEs, national companies, and multinationals operating across industries that drive the national economy including energy, oil and gas, renewables, commercial property, construction, agriculture, leisure, and tourism, as well as insurance.
It is also the Scottish member of Lawyers Associated Worldwide, which enables its clients to access legal support in 185 city jurisdictions internationally.