Pinsent Masons has announced that employment law specialist Katie Williams is set to become the first female in the firm’s history to lead its Aberdeen office.
Ms Williams, who joined the law firm in 2014, will succeed Roger Connon who will step down from the role in April.
Mr Connon, who is well-known in boardrooms across Aberdeen, will continue his role as a partner of the firm and will focus on promoting the firm’s regulatory compliance business, Cerico, and freelance lawyer service Vario.
Ms Williams has advised leading energy and other companies on a range of complex employment issues.
The mother of two has also championed the firm’s efforts to promote diversity both within and outwith the Pinsent Masons business and combines a successful legal career with a flexible working pattern.
She takes up the role following a period of sustained success for the firm’s Aberdeen office. Pinsent Masons moved into new premises on Queens Road in 2013 and recently bought in offshore regulatory specialist Bruce Craig from Mackinnons.
Over the past 12 months the firm has won a number of mandates in Scotland including advising on the Aberdeen West Peripheral Route, the £410million Aberdeen Harbour project and acting for Total on its £585million disposal of the St Fergus gas terminal and North Sea infrastructure.
Pinsents also advised in connection with the landmark £370million bonds issue by Aberdeen City Council.
Earlier this year the firm advised Simmons Private Equity Fund II on the acquisition of Leap Group in a transaction with aspects in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore.
John Cleland, managing partner at Pinsent Masons, said: “Aberdeen is a critically important market for us given its position as a true global energy hub, so leadership and a well-executed succession plan is important.
“Roger has done an outstanding job and we were fortunate enough to have a deep pool of talent from which to select a successor. Katie stands out as an individual who is respected massively by our clients. She is a first-class lawyer but also a role model in terms of championing the firm’s culture and values.”
Ms Williams added: “Roger and the other partners have built an excellent platform in Aberdeen and I am delighted to take over the reins safe in the knowledge that he won’t be too far away, which can only smooth the transition.
“We have been bucking the trend in Aberdeen during a period of challenging trading thanks to this focus, our international reach and also our commitment to innovation and efficiency. I look forward driving that forward and building on the fantastic offering developed so far.”
Meanwhile, chartered accountants firm Johnston Carmichael has announced the promotion of Faye MacKay to director in its Inverness office.
Ms MacKay, who joined Johnston Carmichael in 2005, becomes business advisory director with a continued responsibility for a diverse portfolio of clients throughout the Highlands and Moray.
