A renowned planning lawyer and an oil and gas expert have joined Scottish law firm Brodies as partners.
The firm said Elaine Farquharson-Black, a recognised leader in the planning arena, will add further strength to its housebuilding and planning teams. She joins Brodies from Burness Paull where she was formerly head of both its planning division and property and infrastructure department.
Bryan Wilson, former general counsel for Maersk and Total, has led significant oil and gas projects, and has experience with operators and service companies in the UK, Scandinavia and the Middle East.
Based in the firm’s Aberdeen office, the appointments bring the total number of people in Aberdeen to 87, up 16% in the last 12 months.
Mr Wilson said: “Clients in the oil and gas sector are frequently looking for specialist legal advice to help them deliver on innovative projects, and new entrants into the UKCS are challenging the status quo when it comes to contractual structures.
“The oil and gas team at Brodies continually demonstrates its capability to respond to challenging instructions, helping clients to achieve their ambitions in the sector.”
Mrs Farquharson-Black said: “Brodies’ continued expansion in Aberdeen highlights the firm’s commitment to its client base in the north-east.
“I am looking forward to playing a role in the firm’s ongoing growth and in helping it to achieve its strategic plans.
“This is an important time for planning across Scotland and in joining forces with Neil Collar and the wider planning team, clients will benefit from our combined thinking and expertise.”