Full-service Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers has recorded a fourth consecutive year of revenue growth, with turnover rising more than 9% to £15.6million. The increase reflects sustained performance across the commercial, dispute resolution and private client offerings of the company.
Operating profit increased by almost 14% to £3.7million, with underlying profitability higher due to continued investment in workforce, technology and upgraded premises.
Ledingham Chalmers’ people strategy is also key to its growth, with a focus on recruiting and investing in senior talent and creating clear career pathways. Most recently, Kim Johnston joined as a Director in the Commercial Real Estate team and Derek Cummings was appointed as Director of People and Performance.
Kim brings over 20 years of experience leading major residential and mixed-use development projects across Scotland, with expertise spanning site acquisition, delivery and project completion. Her appointment strengthens the firm’s capacity to support complex development programmes and further enhances its commercial offering.
Derek’s strong track record in organisational development and building high-performing, inclusive cultures has been built over 30 years through his senior roles in business services, operations and HR. His appointment will support the firm’s strategic growth plans and strengthen its focus on people, performance and operational excellence.
In addition, the firm has introduced a new Legal Director role, recognising lawyers with senior technical expertise, leadership potential and managerial capability. This reflects Ledingham Chalmers’ commitment to professional development as a driver of business growth. The recently promoted legal directors are:
- Erica Buchan – Private Client
- Karen Cameron Latif – Litigation
- Graeme Myles – Commercial Real Estate
- Irene Walker – Residential
- Stephen McLaren – Litigation
- Jill Fryer – Corporate
- Jane Rattray – Litigation
Victoria Leslie, Joint Managing Partner at Ledingham Chalmers, said, “Over the past year, we’ve made strong progress against our strategic priorities. These results underline the strength of our strategy and the confidence our clients place in us. Our people remain at the heart of everything we do, and this year we have strengthened our teams across the firm. The appointment of Kim brings exceptional expertise to support complex development initiatives, while Derek’s extensive experience in people strategy and organisational development strengthens our focus on performance and culture.
The introduction of legal director roles, alongside the promotion of seven talented lawyers, underlines our ongoing commitment to recognising leadership, expertise and professional growth within the firm. Our continued investment in talent, technology and our workspaces is driving sustainable growth and operational performance. We move into 2026 with real momentum and a clear focus on deepening our offering to support clients across Scotland achieve their goals.”
Picture 1: Joint managing partners, Victoria Leslie, JP Campbell and Peter Murray
Picture 2: Kim Johnston – Director in the Ledingham Chalmers Commercial Real Estate team