Macnabs and national Scottish law firm Thorntons have announced a strategic merger in a deal that unites two of the most prominent firms in Perthshire and Stirlingshire and significantly bolsters legal services across the region. The merged firm will be known as Thorntons.
Macnabs’ five Partners and 39 employees will transfer to Thorntons when the merger takes place on 31 March 2025.
Thorntons can trace its roots back to 1857. It is now one of Scotland’s most progressive, successful, independently owned law firms, driven by a resolute dedication to its clients, people and the communities it serves. The firm, which has offices at Whitefriars Crescent in Perth, has had a presence in the city since 1993.
The merger will reinforce both firms’ strength and depth across their comprehensive service lines, giving clients access to expert advice and support. The deal will see the total number of employees at Thorntons rise to more than 560, and a partnership of 77.
Founded in 1880, Macnabs has an established reputation for delivering forward-thinking legal advice to businesses and individuals. It focuses on family law, wills and estate planning, employment law, litigation, property conveyancing as well as services for businesses. Its expertise both mirrors and complements that of Thorntons, with clients set to benefit from additional services from the new firm’s specialist teams.
Thorntons has grown significantly in recent years. It has offices across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness. It was recently named a top 100 UK firm by The Lawyer and is consistently ranked highly by the leading legal directories based on client feedback.
Lesley Larg, Managing Partner, Thorntons said:
“This merger represents a significant milestone in our continued growth strategy, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional legal services across Scotland. It will further strengthen our presence across Perthshire and Stirlingshire and provide personal and business clients with access to extended legal expertise and support.
“Macnabs has an excellent reputation in supporting clients navigate complex legal matters. Many of its relationships span generations, and its strong focus on client partnerships will serve as the foundation for the positive journey we will now undertake together.
“Like Macnabs, we have an unwavering dedication to do right by our clients and this has allowed us to establish exceptionally longstanding relationships. We take pride in our commitment to exceeding expectations and act as trusted advisers, anticipating challenges and delivering innovative legal solutions that align with specific needs. Thorntons has undertaken several successful mergers in recent years. As ever, our paramount priorities are for the people in both firms and, of course, the clients. Putting their needs first is vital both now and for the future.”
Ruth Croman, Managing Partner at Macnabs, said:
“Thorntons is one of Scotland’s leading independently owned law firms which shares our commitment to excellent client care and developing great careers for colleagues.
“At Macnabs we have always been ambitious and have targeted continued growth which we have done successfully, ensuring our firm was in a strong position. When we entered into discussions with Thorntons, it was because we wanted to explore what was next, and to listen to what they had to say. While a larger firm than Macnabs, it still retains a strong people-focused culture which has been evident throughout the merger discussions. It has a proven record of continued investment in its people, business and technology, and provides a strong and supportive environment for our team to thrive.
“We genuinely believe that this next step safeguards the firm’s legacy. We have been planning this merger for some time and I and other Partners are excited to start work in the newly enlarged firm.
“Now that the merger has been announced, we are contacting our clients to reassure them that we will be putting their needs first as we move towards joining with Thorntons and beyond.”