Scott Williamson, a long-standing partner at national law firm Blackadders has been elected chairman as of April 1, taking over the position from fellow partner Sandy Meiklejohn, who retired in March following 42 years of dedicated service.
Scott said, “I am very much looking forward to taking up my role at a time when the firm is embarking on an exciting new phase with the opening of our Glasgow office following the merger today with Boyle Shaughnessy.
“We are continuously working to expand and improve our service to clients and the addition of two new partners, Paul Devine and Colin McCulloch, will assist us in this. We are confident that existing Boyle Shaughnessy clients will continue to benefit from the specialist expertise and range of services provided by Blackadders.”
Paul Devine’s principal areas of work are commercial and residential property, advising individuals, family businesses and SMEs in all aspects of property law and providing clients with general business advice. Colin has been a Solicitor in Glasgow for over 35 years. He deals with general private client work and property.
The merger with Boyle Shaughnessy sees Blackadders also welcoming senior solicitor Kirsty Dickson and associate solicitor Siobhan McGuigan to the Glasgow-based team. Kirsty specialises in residential property although she also has considerable experience working in private practice. Siobhan will work in the private client department helping clients with Executries, Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney.
After 3 ½ years as Operations Director, Bob Murdach will become Chief Operating Officer as of April 1. Bob is responsible for the infrastructure, IT and support services necessary to run a national firm.
Meanwhile, in a number of other appointments within the firm,
Jack Boyle, Stewart Dunbar, Sienna Sproson and Sarah Winter have all been promoted from senior to associate solicitor.
Jack is a member of the employment law team advising both employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues. He joined the firm in 2008 as a trainee solicitor. Stewart joined Blackadders in 2010 as a trainee solicitor training in employment, corporate and the private client departments of the firm, he now works in the trust, tax & care unit.
He is full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Sienna joined Blackadders in 2010 as a trainee solicitor. She qualified and worked in the residential conveyancing department for two years before joining the private client department. Sienna is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Sara is a member of the corporate and commercial team. She joined Blackadders in 2007 and works with clients in various sectors including a special interest in charities.
In the residential conveyancing team, Hamish Fyfe, has been promoted from senior solicitor to director, as has Janine Hall, a paralegal manager, who joined the then new Aberdeen office of Blackadders LLP in January 2014.
Ruth Weir, a solicitor in our corporate and commercial team has been promoted to senior solicitor. Ruth, who joined Blackadders in 2014 having worked in-house for an international sporting organisation, has experience that includes advising on a wide range of commercial contracts, and brand protection and data protection matters.
Kevin Moran has also joined the firm as IT Director. Kevin has managed many high profile projects and comes with a wealth of business skills and IT knowledge. He was previously IT Manager with the University of Dundee.
Managing Partner, Johnston Clark, commented, “I am delighted to announce these new appointments and promotions. We are committed to investing in good people and want to attract, retain and develop high calibre individuals. We believe that by having the best people in our firm we can take advantage of future opportunities as they arise. I congratulate them and wish them every success in their new positions.”