Harper Macleod's Agricultural Practice Group Experiences 50% Growth in Two Years
Commercial law firm Harper Macleod LLP is delighted to announce that its Agricultural Practice Group has experienced a doubling of team numbers since its inception in January 2005, in response to increasing client numbers.
The Group was established in 2005 to address the specific legal needs of clients living in rural areas and it is from this sector that the Group has gained significant work, leading to the internal addition of a further Partner, two associates and one trainee solicitor to its ranks over the past two years.
As the only central belt law firm with an office in the Highlands, Harper Macleod is well placed to service clients in the North seeking agricultural-related legal advice, be it commercial, employment or litigation related.
As a reflection of the changing agricultural landscape, the Group has seen a significant number of clients seeking advice in relation to diversification of agricultural land and associated issues, such as matters arising in relation to tied housing on such land. A number of rural clients have also sought the advice of the Group in setting up partnerships or other commercial entities.
Harper Macleod's Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar commented: "In 2004 we made the decision to set up the Agricultural Practice Group foreseeing the increasing need for landowners, farmers and other rural stakeholders to seek legal advice in relation to their property and interests, be they from an individual perspective or a commercial one. Therefore we are delighted that the Group has had to grow to match client demands."
Harper Macleod has grown rapidly since its inception in 1988, now with a complement of some 200 staff (including 34 Partners), with offices in Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The firm is award winning, this year receiving the title 'Law Firm of the Year 2006' at Scotland's two most prestigious law awards, The Law Awards of Scotland and The Scottish Legal Awards - one of only two firms to have ever been awarded the title twice in the same year.
