Four new partners for Burness Paull as top names change

Commercial law firm Burness Paull has appointed four new partners, as its new management team officially takes the helm.

With effect from today (1 August), Peter Lawson takes over as chairman from Philip Rodney while Tamar Tammes moves into the role of managing partner, succeeding Ian Wattie. Together they are charged with leading an ambitious three year growth plan, across the UK and internationally.

Of the nre partners, the Aberdeen office sees Gary Chapman recognised in the Corporate Finance team. He has significant international experience, particularly in Houston and Norway; the firm said his promotion recognised "his outstanding client skills and track record at a time when the oil and gas sector is experiencing an encouraging uptick in deal activity".

The Employment team is bolstered with the appointment of Morag Moffett and Jennifer Skeoch as partners. Ms Skeoch specialises in employment and discrimination law, particularly complex contentious matters, and also plays a key role in the development of the firm’s international strategy, collaborating closely with SDI in helping to promote Scotland as a hub for international business.

Ms Moffett works closely with Burness Paull’s Corporate Finance team to provide employment support on issues arising from business transfers and reorganisations, property transactions and contracting in/out situations. She advises on large-scale projects such as harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment and redundancy exercises, and has a particular specialism in relation to the application of the TUPE Regulations.

Allan Leal becomes a partner in the Banking & Funds team. He previously worked in London and Moscow, and has particular expertise in real estate and leveraged finance deals on a domestic and international basis.

Mr Lawson commented: "We always look to the future and Tamar and I are very excited about our ambitious strategy. Growth and quality of team go hand in hand, and for that reason we have made key appointments in strategically important practice areas and across our three offices. We plan to work with all of our team to ensure that we continue to improve everything we do and exceed our clients’ expectations."

Ms Tammes added: "Our clients and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and our remit is to continue to keep our partners and staff motivated and excited by the firm we are growing. We believe we have the most talented team in the Scottish legal market, and Gary, Jen, Morag and Allan are fantastic additions to our partner team."

Burness Paull now has 67 partners and more than 500 staff across its offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.