Glasgow law firms announce merger

One of Scotland’s most venerable law firms is embarking on a strategic merger to enhance and expand its traditional family and commercial legal service.

Glasgow-based Mitchells Roberton, which can trace its involvement in Scottish legal affairs back to the 1700s, will merge today with the firm of Adie Hunter, also of Glasgow.

The merged firm will continue to be known as Mitchells Roberton.

The alliance will increase Mitchells Roberton’s complement of eight partners and 55 staff by eight.

Partners David Adie and Graeme Hunter will join as consultants and all but one of their seven staff will transfer to Mitchells Roberton’s premises in North Hanover Street.

Adie Hunter, which has been practising since 1988 and has built a strong client portfolio by advising small and medium businesses and private individuals, will close its office in Newton Place in the Park district.

Donald Reid, partner and chairman of Mitchells Roberton, said: “We are all very much looking forward to welcoming David and Graeme and working with them and their experienced colleagues.”

“There are strong similarities between our firms in terms of shared professional values and client focus, but we are not identical and will have much expertise to offer each other. We will have to work hard, but it will be fun as well.”

“In legal practice nothing is static. New laws get passed, old laws get re-interpreted. Some areas of work expand, others contract. This merger will help us all to adapt and have greater resources to serve our clients well.”

Graeme Hunter, of Adie Hunter, added: “David and I are very comfortable about bringing our clients into the Mitchells Roberton stable. As a firm, they have the same outlook as us and they think the same way.”

“We also have had a long-standing professional relationship with Mitchells Roberton and have many good contacts within the team. Donald Reid, in particular, has always been generous with advice when we have faced particularly difficult legal issues.”

Adie Hunter specialises in property and conveyancing, including relocation, loan and security work. It engages in commercial leasing and development business together with general small business and private client work.

Adie Hunter’s consultant Barry Pottle is joining another firm.