The expansion marks the next phase of Freeths’ growth in Scotland. The firm opened in Glasgow in July 2023, led by Paul Ockrim and Nick Taylor, partners and joint heads of Freeths’ Glasgow office. The Glasgow team now comprises 21 lawyers and two support team members.

As it builds a full-service offering in the Scottish market, Freeths has expanded its capabilities across corporate, dispute resolution, projects and infrastructure, real estate, restructuring and insolvency, banking and finance, tax and commercial law. This year alone has seen the arrival of partners Heather Gibson, Alastair Frood and Richard Lockhart.

This move will give the growing team more space to work together and meet clients. It also supports Freeths’ longer-term plans to continue building its business in Scotland.

The investment follows Freeths securing its first Scottish practice rankings in The Legal 500 UK 2027. The Glasgow team has entered Tier 4 for insolvency and corporate recovery and has been named a Firm to Watch in the commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow category. 

The move sees three leading figures in the Scottish legal market reunited. Heather Gibson, Amy McVey and Louise Mahon all worked together as junior lawyers before forging their careers at major international firms. Specialists in tax, banking and corporate law respectively, the three were all attracted to Freeths by the opportunity to work together again and build their practices. The recent arrival of Alastair Frood, a highly respected senior litigator from Eversheds, further strengthens Freeths’ position in the Scottish legal market.  

Commenting on the office move, Mr Ockrim said: “We opened in Glasgow to build a serious, long-term presence in Scotland. The response from clients and the calibre of people joining us have reinforced that ambition. Aurora will give us the space to keep building. It is a long-term investment in our people, our clients and our place in the Scottish market.”

Mr Taylor continued: “The growth has come from listening to clients, building the team around what they need and speaking to people we know that are of the absolute highest quality. We now have greater depth across several core areas, while keeping the close, collaborative approach that has shaped the office from the start. At a personal level, it is fantastic to be able to work with former colleagues who have been able to share in our vision to build a new offering in the market.

“Our new home, and the latest Legal 500 and Chambers recognition, show the progress the team is making. We have strong foundations in place and plenty more we want to achieve.”

Karen Winterbottom, head of location, facilities and services at Freeths, added: “The Glasgow team has changed considerably since the office opened, so it needs a workplace that reflects that. Aurora gives colleagues more room to connect and provides a welcoming place for clients. It also gives the team the flexibility it needs as the business continues to develop.”