Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and Irwin Mitchell tie up
Irwin Mitchell is combining with Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie in a deal that will see the two firms working in collaboration to provide a full suite of legal and financial services operating out of more than 20 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales, subject to FCA approval and contract.
On completion, Irwin Mitchell partners Bruce Macmillan, Craig Marshall and Mark Higgins will join the newly constituted Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie management board. Fraser Gillies, managing partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, will continue to head operations in Scotland.
Irwin Mitchell Scotland currently operates out of Glasgow predominantly in banking and finance and complex personal injury work, while Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie specialises in corporate, private client, property, and asset management. In England & Wales, Irwin Mitchell already provides a full suite of legal and financial services which will be opened up to Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie’s clients.
Both firms are also members of international law firm networks and have collaborated through these networks for a number of years.
Craig Marshall, group chief operating officer at Irwin Mitchell commented: “The two firms are a great cultural fit and share a similar purpose, values, and future vision. We have ambitious plans for growth, and we are both focused on building on our client-centric approach, an excellent colleague experience and an ambition to become leading responsible businesses.
“This strategic investment significantly expands our access to Scotland, and Irwin Mitchell and Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie believe it will fundamentally enhance the service for current and future clients across the whole of the UK and internationally.”
Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie's Fraser Gillies added: “This is a landmark moment for our firm. We have expanded considerably over the past decade and this investment will supercharge our growth efforts and provide a clear route into England & Wales, while broadening the services we can offer our clients.
“We share a similar approach, putting our clients and people at the heart of everything we do. We also share similar ambitions for the future, so we are proud to make history together and begin this exciting new chapter.”