What's Happening?
Thorntons, a historic law firm with roots dating back to 1857, has expanded its presence in Scotland by securing a permanent base in Aberdeen. This development follows a merger with Patience and Buchan, a firm known for specializing in family law in north-east Scotland. The merger has increased Thorntons' employee count to over 580, with 79 partners. The firm aims to enhance its legal services in Aberdeen, leveraging its expertise in sectors such as energy, technology, food and drink, and property. Thorntons' managing partner, Lesley Larg, emphasized the importance of finding the right partners to enter the Aberdeen market, highlighting Patience and Buchan's focus on high-quality, personal services.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Thorntons into Aberdeen signifies a strategic move to strengthen its presence in a region known for its energy sector and other industries. By merging with Patience and Buchan, Thorntons is poised to offer comprehensive legal services, including family law and alternative dispute resolution, to a broader client base. This move could enhance the firm's reputation and client relationships in the area, potentially leading to increased business opportunities. The merger also reflects a growing trend of consolidation within the legal industry, aiming to provide more robust and diversified services to clients.
What's Next?
Thorntons plans to integrate Patience and Buchan's team into its operations, ensuring continuity of service for existing clients while expanding its offerings. The firm will focus on building long-term relationships within the Aberdeen community and leveraging its sector expertise to meet local needs. As the merger progresses, Thorntons will share more details with clients, emphasizing the benefits of the expanded services and innovative legal solutions. The firm aims to become a national entity with significant scale and ambition, potentially leading to further growth and mergers in the future.
