Thorntons reveals ambitious Edinburgh growth plans

One of the largest full service law firms in Scotland has unveiled plans to further grow its footprint in the east with ambitious recruitment plans for its Edinburgh office.

Dundee-based Thorntons aims to build on its full service model in the capital, in turn enlarging its existing client base across the private, public and third sectors.

Since 2011, the firm has grown from 6 members of staff in the office to over 40, including a number of new partners.

The firm has now launched plans for a fresh recruitment drive that will swell the ranks of its commercial team even further, and create senior level positions in employment, banking, intellectual property, agriculture and commercial property.

Thorntons predicts the Edinburgh operation will generate £2.5 million fee income in the current financial year which would demonstrate significant growth from the £300,000 income in 2011.

Due to organic growth and a number of significant mergers in the last few years, Thorntons is now one of the largest law firms in Scotland with a network of 12 offices, 400 staff and 46 Partners.

The Edinburgh office has seen a period of rapid expansion with a number of senior lateral hires. The most recent appointment has been Alec Stewart, former CEO of Anderson Strathern Asset Management, as a Partner. Eight Partners and their teams now operate out of the Melville Street offices.

Clients of the firm include SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, charities, universities and other public bodies. A number of recent tender wins has seen the firm represent a growing number of clients in the central belt including the main clearing banks, J&E Shepherd, Glasgow School of Art, the People’s Postcode Lottery and several University of Edinburgh spin out companies.

Craig Nicol, joint managing partner at Thorntons – and named recently as Managing Partner of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards, said: “Throughout our expansion, the focus has remained the same — to provide our clients with the highest quality legal advice and strong client service.

“When it comes to recruitment, we provide our people with challenging and enjoyable work and we are often commended for the positive and progressive culture of the firm.

“We aim to support our people throughout their career and over 40 per cent work flexibly amid an ongoing commitment from the firm to further embrace agile working practices.”

Thorntons boasts an array of business awards and legal accreditations across its specialities. In 2016, Thorntons was awarded the title of Best Large Scottish Employer and Best Overall Scottish Employer. Awards like these recognise the firms’ commitment to and pride in its people.

Mr Nicol added: “As we see the benefit of our mergers being delivered alongside a clearly defined strategy for the coming years, there is a real buzz within the firm.

“We will keep building on our strong national and global links, but remain committed to the Scottish market and look forward to growing our successful business model further in Edinburgh. I am looking forward to some exciting conversations with individuals who are interested in being part of our team.”