Allan McDougall merges with McQueen Legal

Edinburgh and Lothians legal practices Allan McDougall Solicitors and McQueen Legal have merged from today (1 November).

The new entity, Allan McDougall McQueen LLP, will have 73 staff in nine offices (five in the city of Edinburgh, plus Dalkeith, Gorebridge, Penicuik and Tranent), and fee income in excess of £4m. Headed by managing partner Gordon Bathgate, all seven existing partners, including Mary McQueen, former managing partner of McQueen Legal, will take up partner roles.

No jobs or offices will be lost as a result of the merger. Indeed, it is expected that staff numbers will rise in the new entity once new systems are bedded in.

The new business will operate under two brand names. Private client, family law and property teams will trade under the McDougall McQueen banner, while the personal injury and employment teams will continue under the Allan McDougall Solicitors name given its significant reputation in these practice areas.

Mr Bathgate commented: “As two of the leading high street legal brands with complementary office locations, we are the perfect fit. Allan McDougall has been focusing heavily on growth over the last couple of years, with new staff across all teams and new southside Edinburgh and East Lothian offices.

“Coming together with McQueen Legal significantly strengthens our property and estate agency offering and provides our clients with an extensive range of services, which can be accessed locally."

Ms McQueen added: “Merging with Allan McDougall Solicitors allows us to expand our geographical reach and service offering without compromising our personal approach. Our work ethos will always remain the same, with our focus being on customer service, but now we will be able to offer clients a full provision of legal services across Edinburgh and Midlothian.”