MORTON FRASER & MACROBERTS Morton Fraser and MacRoberts to Merge in Challenge to Major Independents in Scotland

Two of Scotland's most prestigious independent law firms to merge in November; creating a new, top-tier independent firm in Scotland - now the 'Big Four'. Newly merged firm, Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, will employ nearly 500 people and generate annual revenues of £46m.

Morton Fraser and MacRoberts have announced their intention to merge, creating a new style of firm within the top tier of independent Scottish law firms and becoming the joint-third largest independent firm by number of solicitors.

This is very positive news for our clients, who will have access to a broadened and deepened range of services through the newly merged firm’s combined strengths, and who will continue to receive user-friendly legal advice and exceptional client service as a matter of priority.

Neil Kennedy, Managing Partner of MacRoberts, with Chris Harte, CEO of Morton Fraser

Below are straightforward answers to some of the common questions you may have as a valued client or friend of the firm. For anything else, we encourage you to get in touch with us or your main contact to arrange a chat.

  • Why are the firms merging?

    The merger of our two firms is a step change in our shared mission to become Scotland’s best independent law firm. It is very positive news for our clients, who will have access to a broadened and deepened range of services through the newly merged firm’s combined strengths.

  • What will the new firm be called?

    It will be called Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, and work is now underway to create a new brand identity for the combined business.

  • What size will the new firm be?

    Each firm will double in size and scale, entering the ‘top tier’ of Scottish firms. The newly merged firm will have around 250 solicitors and £46m in annual revenues.

  • When is the merger going to complete?

    Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the merger is projected to go live on 1 November 2023.

  • Where will the new firm be located?

    The merged firm will continue to trade from offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

  • You have said the firms have complementary teams and services – can you tell me more about that?

    Our firms share some strengths but are broadly different in terms of the sectors and services we are most successful in. For example, while MacRoberts has deep specialism in energy and infrastructure, Morton Fraser has a wider and larger client base in corporate real estate and housebuilding. Additionally, clients of both firms will now have access to a range of complementary services, including advice on pensions, share schemes, corporate tax, intellectual property, immigration law and wealth management.

  • Who should I contact about new and ongoing matters?

    Your existing relationship partner will remain your primary contact during the merger process. They will be happy to speak with you, and they are committed - as ever - to serving your needs. Following the completion of the merger, new matters opened for current MacRoberts clients will open under the newly merged firm's terms of engagement.

  • How will you deal with potential conflicts of interest?

    Both firms have robust conflict checking processes, and have already undertaken an assessment of their current clients. Clients for whom potential conflicts may exist will be contacted individually, though we do not expect there to be many cases.

Chris Harte, currently CEO of Morton Fraser, will become CEO of the newly merged business, Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP. Neil Kennedy, Managing Partner of MacRoberts, is to become Chief Operating Officer.

Work is now underway to create a new brand identity for the combined business. Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the merger is projected to go live on 1 November 2023.

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