Scotland

Law firm Weightmans has made five new appointments to its insurance practice, bringing specialist expertise across fraud, intelligence, professional indemnity and media. It comes as the team reports 10% revenue growth year-on-year, following strong growth in 2025. Ian McConkey joins as a partner in the firm's Specialty Department in Manchester. Previously a partner and Manchester Location Head at DAC Beachcroft, Ian specialises in disputes, litigation, and professional indemnity claims. He is a recognised expert in media cases and has acted for a major media organisation for over 25 years, including in many high-profile and sensitive matters. Ian has recently been appointed President of Manchester Law Society. James Stevens also joins as a partner in the firm's fraud team. Previously a partner at Kennedys Law, James brings 21 years' experience specialising exclusively in insurance fraud. He has particular expertise in defending high-value organised fraud operations and strategic insurance fraud initiatives across motor, casualty and property claims. James is recognised as a Key Practitioner for Crime and Fraud in the Legal 500 2025. Strategic intelligence investment Weightmans made significant investment in its Intelligence team during early 2026. Ann Dallaway joins from DAC Beachcroft as Fraud and Intelligence Technical Lead, bringing over 22 years' experience as an intelligence specialist. She is joined by two Intelligence Researchers, including Harriet Roman, who also joins from DAC Beachcroft. The appointments build on the 2025 hire of specialist consultant Kate Abrahams, who focuses on intelligence management and ECCTA compliance. Together, they strengthen Weightmans' integrated approach to fraud and intelligence services for insurer clients. Ann will lead the continued development of the firm's fraud and Know Your Opponent (KYO) technology and processes, enhancing the intelligence capability that underpins legal services across the practice. Building on 2025 momentum The appointments follow significant growth during 2025, when the insurance practice made six senior appointments. The team welcomed five partners across Large Loss, Casualty, Clinical Negligence and Motor specialisms, with five internal promotions to senior associate level further strengthening capabilities. Kieran Jones, Head of Insurance at Weightmans, said: "These appointments represent a clear statement of intent about where we're investing. Fraud and intelligence are strategic priorities for us, and we're building capabilities that go well beyond traditional legal services. "Ian's appointment adds significant weight to our Specialty team. With his professional indemnity and media expertise, combined with his role as President of Manchester Law Society, he brings real profile and experience. James strengthens our fraud litigation capability at a time when regulatory changes like ECCTA are creating new challenges for insurers. "The intelligence team expansion is particularly important. Ann's technical expertise and the calibre of people joining demonstrates the ambition we have in this space. We're building an intelligence function that supports not just fraud work but provides valuable insight across all areas of our insurance practice. "These hires give us real momentum as we continue into 2026 with continued focus on expanding international desks and supporting clients through regulatory challenges including Martyn's Law.” ENDS Editor’s Notes Weightmans is a leading law firm with a truly global reach. From FTSE-100 companies to family-owned businesses, from public sector organisations to individuals - we believe in the power of people, innovation and partnership to provide strategic business insight and deep expertise to our clients across the UK and beyond. Weightmans, with 1,700 staff across England, Scotland, and Wales, was named a Top Employer for the 18th time in January 2026, earning a top five spot from the Top Employers Institute. In September 2025, it received EcoVadis’ Gold rating, placing it among the top 5% of law and accounting firms worldwide for ESG and sustainability. In October 2025, it also achieved its highest-ever ranking on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, reaching 15th place in the list. Our purpose is to See the Possibility – in our business, our people and our clients. At Weightmans, we believe thinking differently allows us to see the possibilities others don't. For further information please contact Richard Lackey, PR Manager on 0151 243 3328 or email [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE 16 March 2026 Scottish Law firm Gillespie Macandrew has announced the appointment of two new Partners and 13 further promotions across its legal team. Caitlin Keegan, from the firm’s Residential Property team, and Fraser Vandal, from the Employment Law team, have been promoted to Partner.   Caitlin began her legal career at Gillespie Macandrew as a newly qualified Solicitor in 2016 in the firm’s Morningside, Edinburgh office.  Fraser joined in 2023, bringing significant Employment Law expertise to strengthen the firm’s Glasgow offering.   Furthermore, the firm has made a series of internal promotions across its Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Land & Rural Business, Energy & Strategic Land and Private Client teams. Kevin Sturgeon and Conner McConnell have been promoted to Senior Associate; Mark Milne, Ruth Thomson, Sam Conington, Katie Marshall, Kirsten Holmes and Laura Wilson to Associate; and Beth Hancock, Miles McKay, Alasdair Forsyth, Fiona Reid and Harry Donnelly to Senior Solicitor.   Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Merchant, welcomed the announcements: “These promotions reflect the strength, ambition and talent of our people across Gillespie Macandrew. Caitlin and Fraser’s appointment to the Partnership, alongside the wider promotions, supports our long‑term strategy of sustainable growth across Scotland by investing in the people who drive our success. Strengthening our Partnership and wider teams ensures we continue to deliver the highest level of service to clients and respond to the evolving needs of the market across our Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth offices.”   Caitlin Keegan, Partner – Residential Property said: “Having joined the firm as an NQ in 2016, I am delighted to now join the Partnership and to keep playing a part in shaping our future. It has been a privilege to grow my career at Gillespie Macandrew, and I am excited to continue contributing to our team and our ambitions for the years ahead.”   Fraser Vandal, Partner – Employment Law added: “I am delighted to be joining the Partnership and taking the next step in my career with Gillespie Macandrew. We have fantastic Employment clients, and I look forward to working with both new and existing relationships and the wider Dispute Resolution team as we continue the growth and success of the firm.”   Gillespie Macandrew advises individuals, families and businesses on all areas of land and rural matters, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with specialist knowledge in its chosen sectors.   ENDS     For more information contact: Lauren Forgie Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected] 0131 260 7567   Notes to Editors   Gillespie Macandrew advises a broad range of private and corporate clients in the land and rural business, private client and tax, renewable energy, commercial property and corporate sectors.   Gillespie Macandrew has 29 partners and offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Through its Training Academy, Gillespie Macandrew puts a particular focus on the training and expertise of its people and over the last six years the headcount has grown by 50% to over 180 through organic growth.  The academy has seen eight individuals promoted to partnership since it began.   www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk  

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew LLP has appointed Gavin Merchant as its new CEO, with effect from 1 March 2026. This follows the firm’s appointment of Frank Blin as Chair in July 2025 and marks the start of an exciting era for Gillespie Macandrew as a growth-focussed firm. Gavin succeeds Robert Graham-Campbell, who retires after eight years in the role. Having studied law at the University of Edinburgh and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Gavin brings extensive experience from his career in banking and private markets investment in London and overseas.  His ability to drive growth, financial literacy, people skills and track record of building and leading high-performing teams in complex environments stand him in good stead for the CEO role at Gillespie Macandrew. Gavin was appointed following an extensive search process led by Chair Frank Blin, who said: "I am very happy that we have secured Gavin as our new CEO. He brings a combination of relevant financial, business and strategic management experience which will help drive the firm forward and deliver our growth plans in the coming years, building on the strong platform built under Robert’s leadership.” Robert joined the firm in 2017 after a career in investment banking followed by law firm leadership roles spanning almost 25 years. Under his leadership, he oversaw a period of strategy-led growth, including establishing the firm’s presence in Glasgow in addition to its offices in Edinburgh and Perth.  During this period, the partnership grew by almost one third to 28 whilst turnover increased by more than 70%. Gavin Merchant, Gillespie Macandrew’s new CEO, added: “I am delighted to be joining Gillespie Macandrew at such a pivotal time.  The firm has an excellent reputation, talented colleagues and a strong platform for future success.  I look forward to working closely with our people and clients in the years ahead and to further developing the firm’s capabilities.” Gillespie Macandrew’s focus on its four core sectors of Land & Rural Business, Energy, Real Estate and Private Client has contributed significantly to the firm’s strong progress. The firm has also recently been certified for its achievements in ESG and cyber security.

BRUSSELS, January 13, 2026 — Arnold & Porter announced today that Fabien Roy has joined the firm’s Life Sciences & Healthcare Regulatory practice as a partner, resident in Brussels. Niels Christian Ersbøll, head of Arnold & Porter’s Brussels office, said: “Fabien brings deep sector experience and technical acumen that enables him to help clients navigate complex EU regulatory frameworks. His reputation in Brussels for medical device and pharma regulatory matters, combined with his knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy issues, makes him an exceptional addition to our team.” Dan Kracov, chair of the firm’s Global Life Sciences Industry group, added: “Fabien’s arrival reinforces our ability to provide comprehensive regulatory counsel to life sciences companies wherever they do business. His knowledge of medical devices and emerging technologies, including AI-driven health solutions, will be invaluable as clients face increasingly complex compliance challenges around the globe.” Fabien advises life science technology companies on EU and international regulatory matters, with a focus on medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals. He regularly counsels clients on AI-driven health technologies and Conformité Européenne marking of medical devices. Fabien also assists in addressing complex issues that arise during clinical studies, conformity assessment audits or inspections, and post-market activities. He is a qualified lead auditor for ISO 13485 quality management systems and regularly prepares, drafts, and reviews agreements related to clinical studies, registries, distribution, sponsor’s representatives, CROs, and European Authorized Representative Agreements. Fabien adds to the firm’s globally recognized medical device and technology practice, joining a team of 65 lawyers, including 22 partners, focused on life sciences regulatory matters across the U.S., UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and China. In joining the firm, Fabien said: “I am excited to join Arnold & Porter as a partner in Brussels and to contribute to the firm’s growing life sciences and regulatory practice. With the evolving EU regulatory landscape—particularly in medical devices, pharma, digital health, and AI, clients need strategic, technically robust, and business-oriented advice. Arnold & Porter offers an outstanding platform to deliver that support at both the EU and international levels.” Fabien holds a Master Degree on European Laws, with merit, from Université de Rennes 1 and a Master of Public Law from the University of Silesia (Poland). About Arnold & Porter Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 16 offices worldwide, we offer an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.