Ledingham Chalmers eyes growth after merger adds to private client expertise

Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers has today announced a merger with north east solicitors and estate agents, Gray & Connochie.

Effective from 1 July, the agreement increases Ledingham Chalmers’ headcount by 11: partners Julie Longmuir and Fiona Thomson, consultant Ken Shaw, senior solicitor James Florance and newly qualified solicitor Jenna Hendry will all join the firm, together with six support staff. Gray & Connochie partner Roy Adams is retiring.

As part of the merger, staff from Gray & Connochie’s Alford Place office will relocate to Ledingham Chalmers’ Aberdeen office in Rose Street, while its Bridge of Don office will continue to provide a full range of legal services under the Ledingham Chalmers name.

The move, adding to the full-service law firm’s private client offering, brings the headcount to 167, including 32 partners, across its Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Stirling offices.

Firm chairman and partner, Jennifer Young, said: “The firm of Gray & Connochie and its team members are well respected, and have long been recognised for their considerable private client expertise. They’re an excellent fit for us, and further strengthen our client offering.

“Longer term, this deal underlines our commitment to investing for the future and growing our business.”