In a move to expand its client offering in the capital, John Lee joins from Lindsays.
The University of Strathclyde graduate is qualified to practise in Scotland, England and Wales and has worked in London and Edinburgh advising clients from a wide range of sectors including energy and utilities, defence, food and drink, healthcare and social care.
He has extended rights of audience in the Court of Session and the UK Supreme Court and has regularly represented employers in employment and employment appeal tribunals throughout a career spanning nearly two decades.
Mr Lee is one of only three solicitor advocates in the country to be accredited by the Law Society of Scotland in both employment and discrimination law.
In his new post, his remit includes establishing and growing the first employment law practice for the firm in Edinburgh since the mid-2000s and he joins Ledingham Chalmers’ four-strong employment team headed up by Inverness-based Kirk Tudhope, the only Law Society-accredited employment law specialist in the Highland and Islands.
Chairman Jennifer Young said: “We already have a strong foothold in the capital with our insurance and public sector work.
“That said, it’s important for sustainable growth that we continue to adapt and diversify our business, already strong in areas including litigation, dispute resolution and other corporate and commercial matters, into complementary areas where we see the best opportunities and the greatest demand.
“John was a natural choice for us. Not only is he a skilled employment lawyer with an excellent reputation and considerable network, he’s also an ideal fit for our team.”
Mr Lee said: “At a time when the commercial landscape for employers is changing, their risks are increasing and future uncertainty is unparalleled, businesses need high quality, trusted advice more than ever.
“Ledingham Chalmers’ national presence, full service range and reputation is a compelling, client-focussed combination meeting those demands. It is an exciting time for me and for the firm as we build upon and extend the firm’s excellent service delivery in Edinburgh and beyond. I am very much looking forward to working closely with my new colleagues.”
This hire brings partner numbers to 32, with 179 staff in the firm’s Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Stirling offices, and 18 in the capital.
