Leading independent Scottish law firm Thorntons has significantly strengthened its market presence and share following the completion of its strategic merger with Macnabs, achieving a record headcount of more than 640 people including 77 partners.
The newly enlarged firm – the fourth largest independent operator in Scotland – is now fully operational as Thorntons and has been bolstered by the addition of a new office in Bridge of Allan, just north of Stirling. Thorntons’ Perth office at Whitefriars Crescent will welcome new colleagues from Macnabs today [Tuesday 22 April].
The space has been developed to accommodate new colleagues, with new working, collaboration and meeting spaces. The firm’s new headcount represents growth of 39% since 2022, as the firm, along with the wider legal sector, emerged from the pandemic.
Thorntons can trace its roots back to 1857. It is now one of Scotland’s most progressive, successful, independently owned and operated law firms, driven by a resolute dedication to its clients, people, and the many communities it serves.
Founded in 1880, Macnabs had an established reputation for delivering forward-thinking legal advice to businesses and individuals. Now part of Thorntons, its core services of family law, wills and estate planning, employment law, litigation, and property conveyancing will be enhanced by Thorntons’ complementary services including estate agency, visas and immigration, as well as sectoral expertise for businesses.
Middle row from L-R – Bruce Renfrew, Chris Allan and Rachael MacDonald, Ruth Croman is in front of Rachael Front row from L-R – Stewart Baillie and Sarah Mitchell (Photo credit: Thorntons)
Lesley Larg, Managing Partner at Thorntons, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for our firm, as we welcome our new colleagues from Macnabs and become fully operational as a single, strengthened team.
“The merger enhances our capabilities and extends our reach across central Scotland, offering clients an even broader range of legal expertise. We remain focused on delivering outstanding service and trusted legal advice across all our locations.”
Ruth Croman, former Managing Partner at Macnabs and now a Partner at Thorntons, added: “Joining Thorntons marks an important and positive step for our people and our clients. We’re proud to now be part of a larger, progressive firm that shares our values and commitment to client care. The transition has gone smoothly, and we’re already seeing the benefits of combining our strengths.”
Supporting over 300,000 businesses and individuals across the UK and globally with a unique full-service capability, Thorntons operates 14 offices across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness. It was recently named a top 100 UK firm by The Lawyer and is consistently ranked highly by the leading legal directories based on client feedback.
