Pinsent Masons appoints Richard Scott as new Aberdeen head

He succeeds fellow partner and employment law expert Katie Williams who is relocating to Australia to bolster Pinsent Masons’ presence in the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Scott joined the law practice (then McGrigor Donald) as a trainee in 2001 and, after an initial spell working in Edinburgh, moved north in 2010 to establish a specialist banking practice for the firm in its Aberdeen office. His team works closely with the major banks and private equity houses, and supports businesses seeking acquisition finance and corporate facilities.

The new head of Pinsent Masons’ 55-strong Aberdeen office said: “With a clear energy sector focus and our extensive international footprint, my objective is to maintain and build on our excellent north-east connections, while supporting ambitious clients who are seeking to maximise global opportunities.

“Our extensive track-record of being at the centre of the majority of key UKCS transactional activity, and for advising across a full range of complex issues in the energy sector, provides a strong foundation for servicing one of the most entrepreneurial client bases in the UK.”

Ms Williams, who will be based in Perth, Western Australia, said: “While I am sad to be leaving Aberdeen I am sure I will have no trouble finding my feet in Perth, which mirrors Aberdeen as a strategically important and resilient oil and gas centre.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help build our business across our Perth, Melbourne and Sydney offices and the major Asia Pacific business hubs and I hope to support Scottish and UK businesses which have Australian interests. The many lessons learned during what has been a challenging few years for all involved in the oil and gas sector will be of great benefit to clients operating in Australia’s still buoyant energy sector.”

Pinsent Masons chair of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Richard Masters, said: “Richard Scott is highly regarded in the banking and finance space and is well-established in his home town of Aberdeen. I am confident he will continue to build our brand and reputation in the north-east, ably supported by an experienced and talented team which is being left in rude health following Katie’s tenure.”