Tough going in Scotland: redundancies, defections and shutters

Scottish firm Maclay Murray & Spens has initiated a redundancy consultation in its Private Client department, with four support staff roles and two legal roles at risk. Rumour has it that there is a risk that the redundancies will spread to other departments, but the firm denies this. A spokesperson said: "we are very aware of the personal impact of this process on the individuals affected and will be working with them to provide appropriate support and assistance in the coming weeks". Meanwhile, another Scottish firm - Dundas & Wilson - seems to be in a spot of trouble with the departure of two leading partners. Peter Willis leaves the firm for the partnership at Bird & Bird, and John Verrill is set to join Chadbourne & Parke. These latest departures make the firm’s problems even more acute, after the resignation of the firm's Managing Partner, 28 redundancies and a failed merger with Bircham Dyson Bell. And just in case that wasn’t enough disheartening news from Scotland, well known Scottish law firm Ross Harper has gone down in flames, after failing to meet its debt obligations.

Tough going in Scotland: redundancies, defections and shutters rollonfriday.com Wed, May 9, 2012