One of Scotland’s most venerable law firms is embarking on a strategic merger which will enhance and expand its traditional family and commercial legal service while maintaining its trademark personal attention.
Glasgow-based Mitchells Roberton, which can trace its involvement in Scottish legal affairs back to the 1700s, will merge on Friday the 3rd of March this year (2017) 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, said: “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.
Mitchells Roberton is particularly strong in private client work. It also has a thriving commercial and company department and a smaller but very active litigation department.
Mr Reid said: “Both of our firms are relied upon, and trusted by, our clients. We aim to create a reassuring environment in which clients can feel safe. We share the same values and emphasis on integrity. And we have a tradition of putting clients first, rather than client value.”