Balfour + Manson unveils new management lineup

Edinburgh and Aberdeen legal firm Balfour+Manson has a new management structure as of 1 January.

Three partners – Ann Logan (Litigation), Robert Holland (Employment) and Alan Gilfillan (Commercial Law) – form a new senior management team as part of a long term strategy adopted by the firm.

Elaine Motion, who previously led the firm as executive chairman, remains as chair of the partnership and will work closely with the new team, which will also be supported by finance director Ken Dineen and director of HR Margaret Peet. She said: "Ann, Robert and Alan are great lawyers and excellent leaders and I look forward to working with them to build an even stronger future for Balfour+Manson."

Ms Logan explained: “Elaine has done a fantastic job as executive chairman, while also doing very demanding and high profile client work. She was keen to hand on the executive reins as part of a long term succession planning strategy, while remaining as chair and continuing her high profile client work. The partnership decided that a senior management team of three was the best structure – and the three of us were elected in a free vote of the 23 partners.”

Mr Holland added: “Elaine has a high profile as a result of the Brexit cases and this is a perfect time to capture that as she concentrates on a more outward facing role as chairman. At the same time, the new team will look to draw heavily on her experience as we work together to drive the firm to the next level.”

Mr Gilfillan commented: “The three of us have different expertise and skills and it’s important that we represent a wide cross-section of the business. Balfour+Manson is renowned for its Litigation team, but we are a full service firm with strength in all areas.” 

Balfour+Manson is the only sizeable Scottish legal firm to have a female-dominated partnership, with 12 of the 23 partners being women.