Leading law firm Harper Macleod has taken over Inverness-based practice Allen & Shaw as part of its continuing expansion in the Highlands and Islands.
Partners David Allen and Donald Shaw will join Harper Macleod as consultants, with three of their staff also moving to the company next week.
Established in 1993, with offices in Academy Street, Allen & Shaw specialised in residential conveyancing and private client matters.
The largest law firm with a base in the region, Glasgow-based Harper Macleod now employs 27 people at its Inverness offices at Cradlehall Business Park.
Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome our new colleagues and clients from Allen & Shaw to the firm. We know David and Donald very well, having worked closely with their firm over a number of years, and it is fantastic to bring them into the fold.
“Since we opened an Inverness office in 2004 we have consistently grown and we have made significant investments over the past 12 months. This move supports our growth ambitions for both this office and the wider Highlands and Islands. ”
Mr Shaw is a former director of Inverness BID Ltd and has previously carried out similar roles for Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Solicitors’ Property Centre and HIE Inverness and East Highlands. David Allen is a legal member of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.
Mr Shaw said: “We are delighted to combine our company with Harper Macleod to be able to offer a wider range of services and expertise to our loyal clientele.
“Through our knowledge of the firm and its reputation we believe that Harper Macleod is best able to provide this in the years ahead.”
The acquisition is the latest in a number of expansions for Harper Macleod, which last year moved into Shetland by acquiring Lerwick firm Dowle, Smith and Rutherford. The firm also opened an office in Thurso three years ago.
Over the past 12 months Harper Macleod has added five new lawyers in Inverness, as well as establishing the office’s first dedicated trainee position.
