Ledingham Chalmers announced last week that Inverness-based partner Victoria Leslie has joined its board.
And, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to its commercial client base, senior associate Andrew Stott is promoted to partner, also effective from 1 April, 2022.
Mrs Leslie, a University of Strathclyde graduate, is now a full equity partner. She heads up the firm’s litigation department in the Highland capital.
She regularly acts for commercial, public and private sector clients and isan experienced litigator who specialises in contractual disputes as well as contentious executry and will matters.
Mrs Leslie joined the firm in 2007, was promoted to partner ten years later, and has been a Law Society of Scotland-accredited specialist in personal injury law since 2015. She is also recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK 2022 rankings.
Newly promoted partner Mr Stott is president of Inverness Chamber of Commerce and, along with Stirling-based Sarah Londragan — who also makes the move up to partner — continues to be integral to the firm’s support of Elevator accelerators, specifically Green Matters.
Managing partner, Jennifer Young, said: “Victoria will be an incredible asset to the board, as will Andrew within our partner group. Both have made an enormous contribution to the firm’s success in Inverness, consistently delivering for our clients while being supportive, knowledgeable and respected colleagues.
Other promotions
Inverness-based Natalie Coll from the private client team is one of five other promotions, moving up to senior solicitor. This is hot on the heels of passing all her Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) exams at the end of last year meaning she became only one of three lawyers practising in the Highlands to have this comprehensive qualification in the trusts and estates discipline.
Meanwhile in Aberdeen, Louise Simpson from the private client team moves up to senior associate while senior solicitors Lois Craig (rural) and Emma McNay (defender reparation) step up to associate. Rosie Allan from the family law team becomes a senior solicitor.
Growth plans
Mrs Young said the promotions are a key part of the firm’s growth plans to double revenue to £25million by 2025, along with recruitment.
“All of these promotions recognise the talent of each of these remarkable lawyers and their contribution to the firm, and its growth.
“When it comes to hiring, I’m pleased to say that while we’re operating in an exceptionally competitive recruitment market, we’re attracting impressive people to work with us,” she said.
The firm — which has a headcount of 166 including 28 partners — has seen five new starts since January, and is recruiting for around 12 posts across all four offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Stirling, not including intern and trainee positions.
Mrs Young added: “This is an exciting time — and our growth strategy is certainly ambitious — but it’s a challenge we’re up for.”