BLM bolsters Scotland team with new senior appointments ahead of Edinburgh office relocation

BLM, an insurance and risk law specialist, has appointed Glasgow-based partner Karen Dance to become head of the firm’s Scotland business stream, while partner Gillian Rushbury has also been appointed head of office in Glasgow.

Ms Dance replaces partner David Taylor, who served as head of Scotland and a member of BLM’s executive board for three years - since BLM’s combination with HBM Sayers in May 2014. He remains on the executive board and a serving partner at BLM specialising in dispute resolution.

Ms Dance has been involved in insurance litigation for more than 20 years, specialising in defended reparation cases. She advises and represents self-insured companies, as well as a wide range of insurers, brokers and claims handlers and has a special interest in animal, veterinary and equestrian litigation, having previously held the position of director of governance with HorseScotland.

Glasgow-based Gillian Rushbury has been appointed head of the firm’s Glasgow office. She heads up BLM’s solicitor advocacy unit and also brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of civil litigation with main areas of focus including motor, employers’ and public liability cases.

BLM has also announced the relocation of its Edinburgh office, into more centrally positioned and larger office premises on George Street. This will allow space to expand the team, headed by partner Ian Leach, in the near future.

Speaking on her appointment to head BLM Scotland’s business stream, Ms Dance said: “The worlds of insurance and law are going through their most dynamic and disruptive period in decades. BLM is in a strong position to continually respond to the needs of our market and our seamless UK-wide offering supports customers across a broad range of sectors, in every part of the country.

“I am honoured to have been appointed to head the skilled team in Scotland, who all play an important role in shaping the future of BLM.”

Mike Brown, senior partner at BLM, added: “Karen is a well respected lawyer, both within BLM and across the industry. We are pleased that she has committed to a broader role to support the business in Scotland and help fulfil its long-term growth ambitions.

“Scotland is an integral part of the BLM business. We are proud of the solid team we have in Scotland and the broad range of skills and expertise available to our customers.”