Glasgow firm Hamilton Burns goes into administration

Glasgow legal practice Hamilton Burns has gone into administration, it was revealed this afternoon.

A statement from corporate restructuring specialists FRP Advisory announced that FRP partners Tom MacLennan and Iain Fraser have been appointed joint administrators of Hamilton Burns WS Ltd.

They have agreed deals for the transfer of seven former staff – four directors and three trainees – to two other firms, together with certain work in progress.

Latta Law takes on two directors, understood to be William Criggie and Andrew Knox, and two trainees, while directors Gary Moss and Lorraine Kelly have formed a new firm, Moss & Kelly Solicitors, also taking on one trainee.

The remaining nine staff (two solicitors and seven administrative staff) have been made redundant with immediate effect.

Hamilton Burns's practice, based at its office in Carlton Place, comprised principally immigration, criminal, matrimonial and civil court work.

Joint administrator Tom MacLennan commented: “Hamilton Burns WS Ltd had been severely affected by a marked reduction in legal aid income and a significant decline in general practice fee income. The firm also had very high levels of historic debt which, together with the fall in income, led to unsustainable pressures on cash flow. Every effort had been made to find a solution for the firm; however it became clear that administration was the only option.

“We are pleased to have negotiated agreements for the transfer of seven staff, client files and work in progress. It is with great regret that the remaining nine staff have been made redundant, for whom we will provide as much support as possible.”