Ms Webster, a litigation specialist, brings over 30 years’ experience in commercial dispute resolution.

A former president of the Law Society of Scotland, she joins Thorntons from Davidson Chalmers Stewart, where she was a partner and head of the dispute resolution team.

Scott Milne, dispute resolution partner at Thorntons, said: “Sheila’s appointment is a milestone for Thorntons. She is a hugely respected figure within the Scottish legal community, and her appointment underlines our commitment to attracting the very best legal talent.

“Sheila’s insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our dispute resolution offering and support clients across Scotland with their most complex and high-value disputes.”

Ms Webster said: “I’ve long admired Thorntons’ dynamic culture, its unwavering client focus, and its visionary approach to growth. It’s exciting to be joining the Dispute Resolution team at such a pivotal time for the firm, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

Ms Webster is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an ambassador for the Scottish Arbitration Centre, and a member of the Property Litigation Association’s Scottish committee.

In addition to her distinguished legal career, she is recognised for her leadership within the profession and her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access to the legal sector.

Headquartered in Dundee, Thorntons now has 14 offices across Scotland, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness, Perth and Aberdeen. Recently, the firm was named Large Firm of the Year at the Herald Law Awards.

Following successful mergers earlier this year, the firm now has more than 650 people across Scotland, including 79 partners.