Thorntons merger with Macnabs takes prominent independent firm to record headcount

A leading Scottish law firm has bolstered its share of the market with a "strategic merger" — taking total headcount to nearly 650 staff.

Independent firm Thorntons has confirmed its merger with Macnabs, and the newly enlarged firm, operating as Thorntons, will be the fourth largest enterprise of its kind in Scotland.

The deal takes the total number of partners in the operation to 77.

“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."

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.

Thorntons has also 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 this week.  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, with Macnabs later establised in 1880 and boasting a track record of work in family law, wills and estate planning, employment, litigation and property conveyancing.

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.”