Harper Macleod moves into Shetland with Lerwick merger

Glasgow headquartered law firm Harper Macleod is to expand into Shetland with the acquisition of the practice of Lerwick firm Dowle, Smith & Rutherford (DSR).

Partners Christopher Dowle and Paul Rutherford, along with DSR’s full staff of 12, will join Harper Macleod from 1 October 2015, adding to the firm’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Thurso.

Based in St Olaf’s Hall in Lerwick, DSR has a broad legal practice including a thriving estate agency. From 1 October, the Shetland office will be renamed as Harper Macleod incorporating Dowle, Smith & Rutherford.

The business will boost Harper Macleod’s turnover, which last year hit a record £22.1m.

Professor Lorne Crerar, chairman of Harper Macleod, said: “This is a unique opportunity for our firm to enter one of the most interesting and dynamic economies in the whole of Scotland.

“DSR is one of the islands’ leading legal brands and this is a mutually beneficial opportunity for both firms, adding the full weight of Harper Macleod’s commercial and personal legal offering to the existing services provided to current and future clients.

“We know Chris and Paul very well, having worked closely with the firm for many years through our HM Connect referral network of 275 firms across the country. We are delighted to be welcoming them to the firm and to have the opportunity to deliver excellent legal services both on Shetland and beyond.”

Harper Macleod is already on the panel of law firms which provide support to Shetland Islands Council, and Professor Crerar believes there are "huge opportunities" for the Shetland economy going forward. He added: "Shetland is one of the most prosperous parts of the Highlands and Islands. It has a strong export base and its role in supporting the oil and gas industry, along with renewables, aquaculture, tourism and more have seen it thrive. Home ownership and employment are both high and it has a growing population requiring personal legal services.”

Mr Rutherford commented: “There has been a close bond between Dowle, Smith & Rutherford and Harper Macleod for many years and this integration is great news for our all of our clients and our people. The most important factor for us is being able to deliver excellence of service to our clients. Being part of such a successful business will give them access to a much greater range of expertise and strength in depth, while providing continuity of the service they have come to expect.

“Through Lorne and others, Harper Macleod knows the islands well and shares our vision, both for now and the future. We look forward to growing even stronger as part of such a renowned brand in the Scottish legal market.”