Thorntons targets Edinburgh expansion

Tayside-based legal firm Thorntons has announced ambitious recruitment plans for its Edinburgh office.

Since 2011, Thorntons has grown from six members of staff in the capital to over 40, including a number of new partners. It now plans a fresh recruitment drive to create senior level positions in employment, banking, intellectual property, agriculture and commercial property.

Thorntons predicts the Edinburgh operation will generate £2.5m fee income in the current financial year, compared with £300,000 in 2011.

The firm now operates a network of 12 offices across Scotland, with 400 staff and 46 partners. The Edinburgh office has seen a number of senior lateral hires, most recently of Alec Stewart, former CEO of Anderson Strathern Asset Management, as a partner. Eight partners and their teams now operate out of the Melville Street offices.

Joint managing partner Craig Nicol commented: “Throughout our expansion, the focus has remained the same — to provide our clients with the highest quality legal advice and strong client service." He said the firm woukld keep building on its strong national and global links, while remaining committed to the Scottish market.

He added: “We aim to support our people throughout their career and over 40 per cent work flexibly amid an ongoing commitment from the firm to further embrace agile working practices.”

Recent awards for Thorntons include Best Large Scottish Employer and Best Overall Scottish Employer.