Family handover in leadership of Glasgow's oldest-established legal firm

A historic Glasgow law firm has announced a change of leadership — and it comes in the shape of a family handover, writes Joshua King.

Mitchells Roberton, Glasgow's oldest-established firm, has elected Ronald Inglis as its new chairman. He replaces his sister, Morag Inglis, who has been chair since 2021 and was managing partner for 24 years prior.

The incoming chairman, 52, is a fourth generation lawyer and takes over after a period of growth under Ms Inglis' leadership following a string of mergers with smaller firms.

Mr Inglis, a property law specialist who has been with Mitchells Roberton for 30 years and was made a partner in June 2005, said: "Despite the many changes in the Scottish legal scene, Mitchells Roberton has always been a fiercely independent firm and plans to remain so.

"Independence and continuity are vital to how we operate as a successful family-friendly firm, which promotes a work-life balance for all members of our team, while consistently providing high quality service to our clients.

"I should like to thank my fellow partners in honouring me with their trust and in particular, my sister Morag, who has done an exceptional job shaping Mitchells Roberton into the firm it is today.

Ms Inglis, a commercial law specialist who will continue as a consultant to the firm, added: "I am delighted that Ronald will succeed me in the role of Chairman.

"I have, of course, known Ronald all of his life and would (and do) trust him with my life so I know that he will be an excellent Chairman.

"Ronald and I are fourth-generation lawyers so it is in our bones. Like me, he trained here and has remained with the firm ever since so he fully supports the ethos we have and which we all value."

Both Ronald and Morag Inglis are children of Professor Alistair Inglis, Professor of Conveyancing at Glasgow University from 1978 to 1993.

He helped implement the map-based registration of title system in Scotland and was a former Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow.