Aberdeen lawyer Iain Patience has retired as a partner of the family law specialist firm he co-founded in the city 16 years ago.
But he has not cut his ties completely with Patience and Buchan (P&B) as he will continue helping the award-winning practice in a consultancy role.
In 1994, Mr Patience became one of the first lawyers in Scotland to be accredited as a specialist in family law.
He is an experienced family law mediator and arbitrator – the equivalent of a private judge.
P&B was also one of only a few firms in Scotland to specialise in family law at the time of its launch by founding partners Mr Patience and Lorna Buchan in 2000.
The practice has gone on to pick up prestigious accolades, including the family law firm of the year title at the Law Awards of Scotland.
It has also been rated among the best in the industry north of the border in Legal 500 and Chambers Directory annual reviews.
Mr Patience said: “Whilst I have immensely enjoyed the challenge of seeing the firm prosper and been able to use and promote alternative dispute resolution in an increasingly meaningful way, I think the time is now right to reduce my day-to-day involvement.
“My partners are hugely talented and it has been a real privilege to work with so many dynamic and inspiring people.
“Although I will still be actively involved, my role will be a different one and I am looking forward to spending more time with family and participating in various sporting activities.”
Ms Buchan said: “Iain and I have worked together for more than 20 years, handling so many extremely complex and interesting cases.
“Despite difficult financial times, our practice continues to grow and . . . Iain will continue to help our firm achieve even more success through his new role as consultant.”
The firm promoted one of its team, child and family law specialist Ashley Simpson, to partner level earlier this year.
