Two partners named as Stronachs reveals promotions round

Aberdeen-based law firm Stronachs has announced the appointment of two new partners, including a lateral hire, as it makes five promotions across its commercial and private client teams.

David Chalmers joins as a partner in the employment law team from Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace, and James Muir has been promoted from senior associate to partner after 10 years in the firm’s energy department.

Mr Chalmers brings more than 20 years’ experience in a broad range of litigation, including defending offshore health and safety and environmental prosecutions, with a recent focus on employment law. A member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA), he is dual qualified in English and Scots law.

Mr Muir joined the firm in 2005 as a trainee, and through his progression to partner has advised on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters including acquisitions and disposals, equity investments and intellectual property.

The other promotions are corporate and commercial lawyer Ross Linn, based at Stronachs’ Inverness office, and dispute resolution solicitor Bob McDiarmid, who become senior associates, and corporate team lawyer Jamie Hunter and private client solicitor Karen Oliver, who step up from senior solicitor to associate.

Despite the challenges facing the north east due to the oil price fall, Stronachs remains committed to its ambitious five year plan which will see further appointments in the coming months.

Managing partner David Rennie commented: “The drop in oil price and the challenges in the North Sea sector are having repercussions across the region from which we are not immune. But these appointments demonstrate our commitment to broadening and deepening the expertise we offer to support our clients, particularly in turbulent times.

“Demand for employment law services has risen and we are seeing growth in sectors such as property and construction. Our diverse spread of private and commercial clients and our capability to handle any requirement from writing wills to major transactions for E&P companies, means we are well positioned to weather the downturn.”