Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers today announces seven promotions across its Inverness, Aberdeen and Stirling offices.
In line with its focus on steady, sustainable growth, the firm — with a fourth office in Edinburgh — said these changes reflect each individual’s valuable service to the firm and its clients.
In the most senior appointment, Inverness-based senior associate Victoria Leslie will take up the role of partner from 1 April.
She works in the firm’s litigation department and acts regularly for private and public sector clients in civil litigation disputes in cases that often involve employers or public liability, motor claims, breaches of contract and disability discrimination.
Mrs Leslie received a Law Society of Scotland accreditation in personal injury law in 2015.
Jennifer Young, the firm’s chairman and partner, said: “Since she started with Ledingham Chalmers in 2007, Victoria has made an enormous contribution to the firm, with an increasing focus on private clients in addition to the insurance and public sectors.
“Her appointment as a partner reflects our commitment to being the ‘go to’ firm for commercial litigation in the Highlands.
“And as president of the Highland Business Women’s Club, that in depth involvement in, and understanding of, the business community extends well beyond her day-to-day job.”
Four senior solicitors in the Aberdeen corporate law, residential and commercial property teams, and one based in Stirling from the rural team, have been promoted to associate, also from 1 April.
They are Jennifer Cham, Craig Falconer, Kim Smart, and Craig Wilson from the north east, as well as Stephen Higgins from the central belt.
And David Smith from the residential property team in Aberdeen has been promoted to senior solicitor.
Mrs Young said: “Investing in our people continues to dominate our financial stewardship and planning. And encouragingly, despite the uncertainty we see across the sectors in which we operate around the impact of the economic and political climate, we continue to be rated by clients and in external surveys as outstanding in our field.
“We are consistently commended for the quality of our people.”
Changing the firm’s headcount to 160, including 29 Partners, Allan Collie and Graham Cooper are retiring as partners of the firm. Both are based in the Aberdeen office.
Staying on with the firm as a consultant, Mr Collie is a Law Society of Scotland-accredited specialist in agricultural law.
He is also a member of the Agricultural Law Association, the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFU Scotland), and the Black Isle Farmers’ Society.
Mr Cooper will also continue as a consultant until the end of July 2017, before stepping down.
He specialises in licensing law, having regularly advised business leaders and national chains. He has particular experience dealing with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, specifically applications for variation and transfer of premises licences.
“Both Allan and Graham have been with the firm for a considerable time and to say they are stalwarts in their own areas of expertise would be an understatement. Both are extremely respected practitioners, recognised for their skill and knowledge by peers and clients alike,” said Mrs Young.
