Legal 500 and Chambers UK 2023 – underpinning sustainable growth

Twenty-one experts across seven disciplines were recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK 2022 directories this year.

The guides rank lawyers and law firms based on several factors and considerations, backed up by in-depth research, says Jennifer Young, managing partner at Ledingham Chalmers.

Here, the managing director explains more…

Importantly, they are also an invaluable benchmark of our firm’s performance in an exceptionally competitive marketplace, particularly as we’ve set our sights on ambitious growth.

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The context

Our strategy is to double revenue to £25million by 2025.

Reaching that goal also means a focus on actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions across Scotland as well as having the right people in the right roles in all our offices.

Our latest deal was announced at the start of November when Inverness-based legal practice Anderson Shaw & Gilbert (ASG) joined our firm, creating a business with an annual turnover of around £14million and a headcount of 196 including 29 partners

And when it comes to recruitment, there’s never been a better time to come on board.

There are great opportunities for colleagues to take control of their careers: to exercise autonomy to progress and grow in an independent law firm where their contribution’s welcome and actively encouraged.

Legal 500 and Chambers 2023 testimonials

Growth on this scale will only be possible, of course, if we continue to impress our clients.

While the rankings themselves are great news, it’s the testimonials from peers, market sources and clients that make all the difference and they are all very much appreciated.

Take the Legal 500 directory.

The testimonials describe us, for example, as having “impressed and surpassed all expectations,” as well as being “approachable and speak on a level that’s clear and unambiguous.”

And from Chambers UK 2023 feedback includes “I rate their service to clients very highly,” and “The advice we received from Ledingham Chalmers was key in concluding the transaction and protecting our interests.”

Legal 500 and Chambers rankings, at a glance

Legal 500 —

• Newly ranked as a tier 1 “firm to watch” for insolvency and corporate recovery
• In agriculture and estates — consultant Jim Drysdale ranked as a leading individual while partners Gary Webster, Hazel Moir, Linda Tinson and JP Campbell along with senior solicitor Emily Flett-Grant are recommended
• In commercial property — partner Stephen Morrice is recommended while partners Alan Michie, David Scott and John Mitchell are named key lawyers
• In corporate and commercial — partners Jody Mitchell and Peter Murray continue to be recommended
• In employment, partners Kirk Tudhope and John Lee are recommended
• And in personal injury (defender) — partner Sarah Morris is named a next generation partner, and is recommended along with partners Graeme Edward, John Chalmers and Victoria Leslie

Chambers UK 2023 —

• Personal injury (mainly defendant) — individual rankings for partners Graeme Edward, Sarah Morris and Victoria Leslie. Sarah Morris is highlighted as an up-and-coming practitioner
• Agriculture and rural affairs — partners Linda Tinson and Jim Drysdale are ranked along with senior associate Lorna McKay who is named an associate to watch
• Construction — Partner Sarah Stuart is ranked
• Employment — head of employment law, Kirk Tudhope, partner John Lee, and senior associate Sine Mackay are ranked. Sine is named an associate to watch
• Our commercial property team was ranked in the real estate up to £10million category

There’s no time to rest on our laurels: now the process begins again in earnest for next year’s submissions.

You can find out more about the firm, including our growth plans, together with legal insights and commentary, at ledinghamchalmers.com.