Wright Johnston & Mackenzie acquires Inverness practice

Legal firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (WJM) is to strengthen its Inverness office by merging with long established local firm MacArthur & Co, with effect from 1 February 2016.

The merged practice, which will be known as Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (incorporating MacArthur & Co) will have a combined turnover of over £7m. WJM also has offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

All MacArthur & Co employees will joining the merged practice, which will be accommodated in new offices in Inverness from early next year.

MacArthur & Co’s existing practice provides a range of private client services including residential conveyancing and estate agency services across the Highlands, together with wills, executry administration, powers of attorney and commercial work. WJM is a full service legal firm with further interests including corporate, family business, renewable energy and employment.

Angus MacLeod, a corporate partner at WJM’s Inverness office, described the move as part of a joint long-term strategy to bring increased choice and breadth of legal technical expertise to the Highlands and Islands.

“Both firms have ambitions to grow the business and provide our clients with continuity of service and access to a wider range of expert legal services", he commented. "These will be delivered by people with local knowledge who live and work in the Highlands with the support of the additional resources and infrastructure of WJM.”

MacArthur & Co’s senior partner, Ian MacDonald added: “We want to build on the strengths and heritage of both firms and have a shared vision to help clients achieve what they want for themselves, their families and their businesses with a practical, friendly and value for money approach.”

The new firm will mean WJM has 22 partners, 42 fee earners and 46 employees across its three offices.