Stronachs LLP > Aberdeen, United Kingdom > Firm Profile
Stronachs LLP Offices
Stronachs LLP
28 ALBYN PLACE
ABERDEEN
AB10 1YL
United Kingdom
28 ALBYN PLACE
ABERDEEN
AB10 1YL
United Kingdom
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Stronachs LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 2
With offices in Aberdeen and Inverness, Stronachs LLP has a ‘professional’ team that demonstrates a ‘remarkable level of detail’ on M&A and private equity transactions across a multitude of sectors, particularly healthcare, energy, and transport and logistics deals. Team head Ross Gardner generates a significant volume of work in Aberdeen and has recently presided over management buy-outs, majority shareholding disposals, equity investments, and joint venture transactions. Neil Forbes
has close connections to engineering, construction, and energy services clients which rely on his expertise for large-scale deals, while Callum Armstrong, who was promoted to partner in June 2023, is noted for his depth of knowledge across various sectors.
Practice head(s):
Ross Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A fantastic team that pulled out all the stops to make things happen at the correct time. The entire team acted in a professional yet friendly manner and were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure everything was achieved in a short time frame yet to a remarkable level of detail. I would not hesitate to use Stronachs again and would, and have, recommend the use of their services to friends and colleagues.’
‘Callum Armstrong made himself available to help advise on matters regarding our M&A deal. He always took time to explain in layman’s terms which helped me tremendously. A very knowledgeable individual, I have 100% confidence in his ability.’
‘It has been a pleasure to deal with Stronachs an a multitude of issues. Absolute professionals and make you feel extremely confident in their ability from the moment you bring an issue forward. The people are genuine, caring and trusted.’
‘Callum Armstrong is a consummate professional. Knowledgeable, approachable and always does exactly what he says he is going to do.’
Key clients
Global Energy Group
Envoy & Partners Limited
Dingbro Limited
Enquest PLC
Cegal Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Omega Well Intervention Limited
Sulmara Subsea International Limited
Verlume Engineering Limited
ESWL Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Ross-Shire Engineering Limited in relation to the Investment in the company.
- Acting for Verlume Ltd in relation to an equity investment.
- Acting for Global Energy Group Limited in relation to the sale of its majority interest in Global Energy (Engineering & Construction) Limited.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2
Led by Jaclyn Russell, who is praised as ‘approachable, understanding and knowledgeable’, the ‘first class’ team at Stronachs LLP advises landed estate owners and high-net-worth individuals on contentious matters concerning tax planning and power of attorney. Elevated to partnership in June 2023, Kirsten Anderson leads on capacity concerns, estate administration and property disputes. Other key contacts in the group include Paula Lukins and Karen Oliver, who assist with mitigation strategies and succession planning mandates.Practice head(s):
Jaclyn Russell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jaclyn Russell has great experience and professional skill.’
‘The people I have had the pleasure in dealing with at Stronachs have all been first class.’
‘Jaclyn Russell’s knowledgeable responses and advice have been invaluable.’
‘The Stronachs LLP team were very professional and personal. They gave us the best support we could have ever expected.’
‘We found Jaclyn Russell very approachable, understanding and knowledgeable.’
‘Jaclyn Russell is always candid with her clients and handles potentially awkward conversations with empathy, honesty and directness. She explains things in a way that puts clients and their families fully at ease and has a great way about her.’
‘Karen Oliver shows a great deal of empathy with her clients but isn’t afraid to have the difficult conversations she needs to have. She breaks down the legal issues so that the client and other representatives can fully understand the issue and a resolution can be found as easily as possible.’
‘Outstanding client service from a very capable team, offering superb value for money.’
Work highlights
- Advised a widow in a contentious estate matter involving farming and a large-scale windfarm operation.
- Acted on two interlinked complex estates, which included proving the tenor of a lost Will and the wind up of a trust where both trustees had died, and the extent of the trust property was initially unknown.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and executries Tier 3
The Aberdeen-based team at Stronachs LLP is led by Jaclyn Russell, who is well-versed in handling tax and estate planning matters. The practice assists local and international clients with mandates concerning capital tax planning, power of attorney and estate administration. Kirsten Anderson and Karen Oliver advise on personal injury trust matters, while Raiya Law and Emily Wright handle estate and succession planning cases for high-net-worth individuals.Practice head(s):
Jaclyn Russell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Kirsten Anderson was extremely personable and understood the brief for a complex family requirement.’
‘I thoroughly recommend Karen Oliver for her vast knowledge and professionalism. Everything was carried out in a very professional manner, and she kept me very well informed.’
‘Jaclyn Russell gives clear advice and she gets the job done on time.’
‘The team are friendly, approachable and supportive at what can often be very difficult times.’
‘Jaclyn Russell leads the team very well. She has dealt with several of our most important clients and the feedback has been universally positive. She has a talent for empathetic questioning.’
‘Karen Oliver stands out for the way she deals with clients. She can build trust and rapport quickly though her focus on understanding the client’s objectives and finding the right solution.’
‘A very organised practice, offering excellent advice in a timely manner.’
‘I have dealt mainly with Jaclyn Russell and Karen Oliver. The overriding quality is that they are so approachable and not intimidating. They deal with what can be a complex decision making process, in a friendly manner and make my clients feel relaxed.’
Work highlights
- Advised multiple generations of a Scottish family-owned and run company with a worldwide profile, including cross-border succession and inheritance tax planning and guidance on both new and existing trust arrangements.
- Advised a national employer’s Members’ Benefits Trust, conducting a full review of current arrangements and providing recommendations regarding the substance and implementation of adjustments to these arrangements.
- Dealt with the £20m estate of a wealthy businessman, farmer and landowner.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3
Fielding a ‘knowledgeable team that can interface with other practice areas in the firm to provide a seamless and efficient service’, Stronachs LLP acts for a variety of clients in the oil and gas sector on a number of complex commercial and regulatory matters relating to supply chain issues, decommissioning security agreements, and consenting work; the firm also is active on disputes. Spearheading the practice is the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ James Downie who is sought out by producers and developers for decommissioning advice. James Muir is hailed as a ‘top-quality’ oil and gas lawyer and handles extensive domestic and cross-border work.Practice head(s):
James Downie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Any oil & gas company having the operatorship of a field would like to work Stronachs’ Team. Highly reactive, deep understanding of the Oil & Gas Business from legal side but also with a very good technical knowledge.’
‘James Muir is one of the best lawyers I’ve met in my oil & gas career. Highly knowledgeable, very reactive and very fair/efficient in relation to the time spent to solve legal issues.’
‘Strong Aberdeen presence in the local market together with great international experience to support us in the UK and abroad.’
‘James Muir is a very good technical oil and gas and corporate lawyer. Incredibly client friendly and provides high quality and easy to use advice. Very pragmatic and operates like an extension of the in-house team. Top quality.’
‘Knowledgeable team who can interface with other practice areas in their firm to provide a seamless and efficient service.’
‘James Downie is incredibly knowledgeable, refreshing to work with especially on decommissioning related matters.’
Key clients
Black Sea Oil & Gas SA
Dana Petroleum Limited
Harbour Energy plc
Ithaca Energy plc
TotalEnergies UK
RPS Energy Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Harbour Energy plc on the creation of further supply chain contracts.
- Acting for Black Sea Oil & Gas SA on the Midia Gas Project.
Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 3
The commercial property team at Stronachs LLP, led by Duncan Campbell from Aberdeen, serves a diverse range of public and private sector clients including developers, oil and gas companies, and private individuals. The Aberdeen office is also home to Liz Stewart, who is experienced in property acquisitions and disposals for development, commercial leasing, and renewable energy projects.Practice head(s):
Duncan Campbell
Other key lawyers:
Liz Stewart; David Marshall; Ross Linn; Emma Stephen; Adele Anderson; Colin Sandilands
Testimonials
‘Liz Stewart and Colin Sandilands are both excellent. I trust them both and respect their advice. They always give fair impartial advice and in a timely matter.’
‘A great level of service and trust.’
Key clients
Global Energy Group
Strathdee Properties Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Spex Services Limited
Xodus Group Limited
DOF Subsea UK Limited
Morlich Homes Limited
Envoy Group
DANA Petroleum
Cegal Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Xodus Group Limited on 10-year lease of 5th Floor, The Capitol Building, Union Street, Aberdeen.
- Advised Cegal Limited on 10-year lease of Suite G3, Ground Floor, Prime View, Prime Four Business Park, Kingswells, Aberdeen.
- Advised Sulmara Subsea Limited on 5-year lease of the ground floor “plug and play” offices at Pavilion 11, KingshillPark, Westhill.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 4
With the Aberdeen-based Robert McDiarmid at the helm, Stronachs LLP is well-placed to handle commercial disputes in the energy and construction industries, representing clients in the Court of Session, Sheriff Courts, and various alternative dispute resolution procedures. In Inverness, Colin Sandilands supports businesses and investors in sectors including agriculture, real estate, and logistics.Practice head(s):
Robert McDiarmid
Other key lawyers:
Colin Sandilands; Deborah Law
Testimonials
‘Stronachs Dispute Resolution Team, headed by Robert McDiarmid, is on another level. I have no regrets about moving to Stronachs.’
‘The whole team led by Robert McDiarmid was excellent.’
‘Robert McDiarmid is responsive, commercially astute, supportive, courteous, and knowledgeable of energy industry norms and practices, giving practical, focused advice. We have been very satisfied with his support and have no hesitation in continuing to instruct him. ’
‘Stronachs is an Aberdeen-based firm with a strong base in the energy sector but covering a wide range of quality commercial work.’
‘Stronachs is a firm that is able to punch above its weight in terms of the quality and experience of its litigators.’
‘Colin Sandilands is quite simply excellent at what he does, and a delight to work with.’
‘As a team, Stronachs’s service is very good.’
‘The team is hardworking, innovative, and focused on results. They are one of the best teams in this area in the northeast of Scotland and well deserve their excellent reputation.’
Key clients
Weatherford International plc
Global Energy Group
TotalEnergies E&P North Sea UK Limited
Marshall Errock Construction Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Black Sea Oil & Gas SA
Glen Mhor Limited
Fairhurst
Xodus Group Limited
AMS Global Group
Work highlights
- Represented Weatherford International plc and subsidiaries in relation to commercial and intellectual property disputes in the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts.
- Represented shareholders in relation to s.994 Companies Act 2006 unfair prejudice proceedings in relation to oil and gas sector technology company Sustainable Pipeline Solutions Limited at the Court of Session.
- Represented a renewable energy developer in Court of Session proceedings relating to multi-million-pound claims for breach of contract and negligence against renewables consultants and contractors.
Stronachs LLP > Firm Profile
Stronachs LLP is one of the largest, independently managed law firms based in the North and North East of Scotland, with offices in Aberdeen and Inverness.
The firm: The firm is a full service law firm and whilst the majority of its activity involves servicing its commercial clients, a substantial part of its business remains the provision of services to individuals including private client, property and family law services. The firm’s full service approach is not detrimental to the expertise it has in many areas of practice and the firm continues to service clients with varied and complex needs. The firm is committed to finding practical, cost effective solutions to legal issues, with the achievement of the client’s commercial or personal objective paramount and the legal process simply a means of achieving that. The firm is renowned for acting for business owners in their business and personal affairs.
Types of work undertaken: The firm advises its commercial clients across a variety of sectors and has significant experience and expertise in areas including energy (renewables and oil and gas), food and drink, fishing, agriculture/rural, property development, construction and technology. The firm’s corporate team acts in mergers and acquisitions (where it is well known for acting for owner-managed businesses) and a broad range of other corporate transactions including re-organisations, start-ups, equity investments and joint ventures. The firm’s restructuring group advises clients on a broad range of insolvency matters. Its energy team acts for clients in the upstream, midstream and renewables sectors in the UK and overseas. The firm’s commercial property team has expertise covering everything from acquisitions, commercial leasing, sales development and construction work. The dispute resolution team advises on a broad range of matters from international arbitration, contractual disputes and intellectual property disputes to straightforward debt collection. The team includes a solicitor advocate entitled to plead cases at the Court of Session. The firm’s rural team advises clients on a wide range of rural and agricultural matters including farm acquisitions and disposals. The firm has a highly regarded private client team which provides a full range of private client services primarily for high-net worth individual and individuals with businesses, land and/or farming interests.
The firm has a diverse client base ranging from FTSE 100-listed companies to owner-managed private companies and also high-net-worth private individuals. Examples of companies for whom the firm acts includes Global Energy Group, EnQuest PLC, Walker’s Shortbread Ltd, Black Sea Oil and Gas SRL, Envoy & Partners Limited, Peterson (UK) Limited and Dana Petroleum plc.
The firm has considerable experience of international work, particularly through its energy related clients. The firm has advised on transactions in Australia, Trinidad, Singapore, the Middle East, Poland, Norway, Mexico, the US and Romania.
Other offices: Inverness
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner, Head of Agricultural | David Marshall | [email protected] | 01224 845945 |
| Partner, Head of Commercial Property | Duncan Campbell | [email protected] | 01224 845893 |
| Partner, Head of Corporate | Ross Gardner | [email protected] | 01224 845879 |
| Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution | Robert McDiarmid | [email protected] | 01224 845951 |
| Partner, Head of Employment | David Chalmers | [email protected] | 01224 845817 |
| Partner, Head of Energy (oil : gas) | James Muir | [email protected] | 01224 845887 |
| Partner, Head of Private Client (Tax, Trusts & Executries) | Jaclyn Russell | [email protected] | 01224 845858 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
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James Muir | James is a Partner in the Energy team with more than 16… | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
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Kirsten Anderson | Kirsten is a Partner of the Firm who advises on all aspects… | View Profile |
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Callum Armstrong | Callum is a Partner who has more than 10 years’ experience in… | View Profile |
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Duncan Campbell | Partner and head of commercial property with over 20 years’ experience. Experienced… | View Profile |
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David Chalmers | Partner in the Employment Team with more than 28 years’ experience of… | View Profile |
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Velvet Duncan | Velvet is a Senior Solicitor who advises on matters relating to Private… | View Profile |
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Neil Forbes | Neil is a Partner in the Firm’s corporate team with over 25… | View Profile |
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Ross Gardner | Partner in the Corporate Department since joining Stronachs in November 2015, Ross… | View Profile |
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Raiya Law | Raiya is an Associate in the Private Client department and advises clients… | View Profile |
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Deborah Law | Deborah is a partner and has over 10 years’ experience in dispute… | View Profile |
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Paula Lukins | Paula is an Associate in the Private Client department and provides advise… | View Profile |
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David Marshall | David is a Partner with considerable experience working within the rural and renewable energy… | View Profile |
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Robert McDiarmid | Robert is a Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Team. Robert advises… | View Profile |
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Gavin Michie | Gavin is a Solicitor within the Private Client team. He advises clients… | View Profile |
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Annika Neukirch | Annika is a partner in the Employment Team with experience of providing… | View Profile |
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Patrick Norris | Patrick is an Associate who has more than 6 years’ experience in… | View Profile |
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Karen Oliver | Karen joined the firm in 2009 and advises clients on all aspects… | View Profile |
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David Rennie | Consultant, with over 40 years’ corporate experience. Specialising in acquisitions/disposals, equity investment… | View Profile |
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Jaclyn Russell | Jaclyn is a Partner and Head of the Private Client team. She… | View Profile |
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Michelle Sharp | Michelle is a Senior Associate and has more than 12 years experience… | View Profile |
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Liz Stewart | Partner in commercial property team. Liz has over 20 years’ experience in… | View Profile |
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Emily Terry | Emily is a Senior Solicitor of the Firm who advises on all… | View Profile |
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Jonathan Wemyss | Jonathan is an Associate in the Dispute Resolution team with more than… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 15 Number of other UK fee-earners : 35Languages
French Spanish German PolishMemberships
AIPN Chartered Insitute of Arbitrators Employment Lawyers Association (UK) Law Society of England and Wales Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)Diversity/Community
Diversity
Stronachs LLP promote an inclusive culture where diversity is valued. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and ensuring that everyone receives equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Community
- Our Third Sector committee work with and support local organisations through AVCO
- We are on the panel of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
- We offer a programme of work experience accessible by schools in the community
- We partner with schools in the community to provide an insight into our organisation
- Many of our partners and staff volunteer to sit on the Board of a variety of charities
- We have close links with local universities, providing tutoring, support and sponsorship of annual law review
- We support and sponsor many local initiatives/clubs/events
Charity
Stronachs engages with staff to decide upon a chosen cause and makes a firm commitment to fundraise and provide support. An internal committee meet with the charity representatives and coordinate numerous fundraising events with proactive support from the firm. Stronachs are very proud of what has been achieved over the decades and the charity partnerships that have been forged.
Environment
The firm is committed to implementing the following environmental objectives:-
- Reduce the carbon footprint of the firm
- Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill Seek ways to incorporate environmental opportunities within our daily work
- Aspire to best environmental practice
- Reduce energy use within the firm’s offices
- Source goods and services from local suppliers