Thorntons Law LLP

Membership will extend the firm’s reach across more than 100 countries for Scottish and international clients Leading independent Scottish law firm, Thorntons, has become the first Scottish member of Multilaw, one of the world’s foremost networks of independent commercial law firms, operating across more than 100 countries and spanning every major business jurisdiction. The membership marks a significant milestone in Thorntons’ strategic growth, securing its position as the go-to Scottish firm for clients with multi-jurisdictional needs and strengthening its ability to coordinate complex international matters with trusted legal partners worldwide. A firm of scale, with offices in major centres including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, and serving more than 300,000 businesses and individuals, Thorntons has long operated at the intersection of Scottish and international law.  The firm has built a strong track record of handling complex cross-border transactions, financing arrangements, intellectual property disputes, insolvency appointments and high-value private client matters, frequently acting in close coordination with legal advisers in overseas jurisdictions. Joining Multilaw formalises and amplifies its existing capability, providing Thorntons and its clients direct, structured access to pre-vetted, high-calibre legal expertise around the globe. Cross-border legal work takes many forms. Scottish businesses expanding into overseas markets, or international companies establishing a presence in Scotland, frequently require coordinated advice on corporate transactions, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Finance arrangements involving foreign lenders or assets, intellectual property portfolios that span international markets, employment and immigration matters arising from globally mobile workforces, and insolvency appointments with an international dimension all demand close collaboration between legal advisers in different countries.  Private clients, particularly those with assets, family connections or tax obligations in more than one jurisdiction, also increasingly require their Scottish solicitors to work in concert with overseas counterparts. Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, said: “Joining Multilaw is a statement of intent. Thorntons has always been a firm that punches above its weight. We have the expertise, the breadth of practice and the national footprint to go head-to-head with the largest firms operating in Scotland. Multilaw membership gives us the international infrastructure to match that ambition. Our clients increasingly operate across borders, and they deserve a firm that can move with them. This is the right network, at the right time, for Thorntons and for Scotland.” Founded in 1990, Multilaw is a well-established, rigorously curated network comprising independent law firms across more than 100 countries. Membership is selective, each member firm is chosen for its professional standing, depth of expertise and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service to international clients. This means that when Thorntons refers a client matter overseas, or receives an inbound referral from abroad, both parties can rely on the same standard of legal professionalism and client service.  Adam Cooke, CEO, Multilaw, said:  "Thorntons is exactly the kind of firm Multilaw is built around. A highly respected, full service Scottish firm with real depth across key practice areas and a clear ambition to operate on an international stage. Their appointment gives us the coverage we need in Scotland and further strengthens the support we can provide to clients with cross border needs. We are delighted to welcome Thorntons to the network and look forward to a long, dynamic, and successful relationship.” Thorntons will be represented within the Multilaw network by three senior partners: Alistair Lang, corporate; Jacqueline Moore, immigration and global mobility; and Chris Gardiner, private wealth.

Leading independent Scottish law firm Thorntons has strengthened its growing Glasgow office with the appointment of corporate specialist Fiona Piper and employment law expert Stephen Connolly as Partners, marking the latest step in the firm's continued expansion in the city. Thorntons' Glasgow office has doubled in size to 64 people in the last 12 months, reflecting increasing demand for the firm's services and its ongoing investment in talent, capability and regional growth.  The appointments add significant depth to the firm's corporate and employment law teams and further enhance the specialist support available to businesses in the city and across Scotland. They form part of a sustained period of growth for Thorntons as it continues to expand its footprint, strengthen key practice areas and support clients through every stage of their growth and development.  Fiona joins Thorntons as a Partner in the Corporate team, bringing more than 30 years of experience advising businesses on corporate and commercial matters. Dual-qualified in Scotland and England, she advises a diverse client base, including founders, investors, start-ups, scale-ups and established owner-managed businesses, providing strategic guidance across the full business lifecycle, from formation and growth through to investment, restructuring and exit. She works closely with clients to deliver commercially focused advice and achieve successful outcomes. Alongside her practice, she tutors on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow, reflecting her commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals. Stephen advises employers across the full spectrum of employment and HR matters. He regularly appears before Employment Tribunals on behalf of clients in contentious matters and provides strategic, practical advice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, performance management, unfair dismissal, discrimination claims, Working Time Regulations, TUPE, contractual disputes, data protection and business immigration matters. He is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and previously served on the ELA Scotland Steering Committee. The appointments further strengthen Thorntons' ability to provide comprehensive legal support to businesses as they grow, invest, recruit and navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments. Aimee Gibbons, Head of Location for Glasgow at Thorntons, said: "The growth of our Glasgow office over the last year has been remarkable and reflects both the strength of the market and the ambition we have for the city. Fiona and Stephen are outstanding lawyers with exceptional reputations in their respective fields. "These appointments significantly enhance our offering and demonstrate our commitment to building a market-leading team in Glasgow. We are seeing increasing demand from businesses that want access to specialist expertise delivered through a full-service Scottish firm, and these appointments help us continue to meet that demand." The arrivals form part of a wider period of strategic growth at Thorntons. Vicky Ward also joined the firm's Corporate team in Glasgow as an Associate earlier this year, bringing extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, investment and finance transactions, management buyouts, employee share schemes, joint ventures, corporate restructures and commercial contracts. The firm is also welcoming David White as Legal Director in its Glasgow office, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of its service offering in the city. As Thorntons’ first dedicated private client appointment in the city, David expands the range of specialist legal services available locally and strengthens the firm’s position as one of the few truly full-service independent law firms operating in the market. David specialises in all aspects of private client law, advising individuals and families on succession planning, wills, trusts, inheritance tax and estate administration. He regularly supports executors on the full range of legal and tax matters arising during the administration of estates and is a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He is a registered notary public and also tutors on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde. Lesley Larg, Managing Partner of Thorntons, said: "These appointments represent another important milestone in Thorntons' growth journey, positioning us as one of the very few firms able to offer genuinely full-service legal advice to both businesses and private individuals from a Glasgow base. We continue to invest across the business as part of our long-term strategy to strengthen our capabilities in key practice areas and ensure we are well positioned to support clients wherever they are in Scotland. Our growth is being driven by sustained demand for our services and the strength of our people, culture and client relationships." Thorntons now operates from 14 offices across 12 locations throughout Scotland and recorded 14% revenue growth in FY26, continuing a strong trajectory of expansion across the country. Later this year, the firm will further underline its commitment to growth and investment with a move into a new purpose-built waterfront headquarters in Dundee, creating a flagship base for the business as it continues to evolve and serve clients throughout Scotland and beyond.

Turnover passes the £50m mark, following 14% annual growth, with major expansion across Scotland Firm strengthens commitment to Dundee with relocation to new purpose-built waterfront HQ Merger activity, new hires and tech investment fuel rapid national scale-up, especially in Glasgow DUNDEE, 19 February 2026: Thorntons, one of Scotland’s largest independent law firms, has announced another year of strong financial and strategic growth as it prepares to relocate to new landmark headquarters in Dundee. Turnover rose to £50.1 million, up from £43.9 million, for the year ending 31 May 2025, marking a 14% increase and a sustained period of expansion across Scotland. The firm continued to grow its national footprint, with standout progress in Glasgow, where the office has rapidly scaled from a small base to nearly 50 people, with revenues increasing at close to 50% year on year. As it continued to expand its national footprint, Thorntons capitalised on the recovery in the property market, delivering a 24 per cent increase in associated revenue alongside a robust pipeline of corporate deal flow, private client work and international referrals. The firm also delivered strong growth in sectors critical to the Scottish economy such as energy, healthcare, tech and agriculture.  Operating profit held steady at £11.6m (£11.8m). This reflects Thorntons’ strategic investment during the year in its office locations, technology and people, setting up the firm for sustainable future growth. Thorntons recruited 75 new roles and welcomed 16 trainee solicitors, taking its total trainee group to 34, as part of its long‑term investment in Scotland’s next generation of legal talent. There are now more than 680 people in the business. This momentum underpins the firm’s decision to relocate its headquarters to James Thomson House, a flagship £26m waterfront development by Dundee City Council. Thorntons will occupy the top three floors of the Grade A building, reaffirming its long‑term commitment to Dundee, where it was founded. Managing Partner, Lesley Larg, said: “This is a seismic moment for Thorntons. In the past year we have expanded into new markets, welcomed exceptional talent and delivered sustained revenue growth across our full-service offering.  “Our growth across Scotland, combined with our new headquarters in the heart of Dundee, reflects our long-term confidence in the city and in the future of our firm. Dundee is our home and it will remain so. We want Dundee to benefit from the wider success of Thorntons. Our new HQ gives us a modern base to attract talent, embrace innovation and deliver even more for individual and business clients across the country.” “As we enter our next chapter, we are investing to future‑proof the firm, strengthening our capabilities, expanding our footprint and creating the kind of modern, flexible environment where our people and clients can thrive. These results, combined with recent mergers and major investments such as our new HQ, give us a strong platform to accelerate our growth strategy across Scotland, while deepening the international referral relationships that are becoming an increasingly important source of new work.” Councillor Mark Flynn, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “James Thomson House represents a significant investment for the city in terms of modern office space, which is proving vital in our efforts to sustain and attract high quality jobs in the city.  “Creative thinking about how we use buildings and spaces is at the heart of the council’s long-term vision to reinvent Dundee and grow our economy, making the city a better place for everyone. "Thorntons is a home-grown success story. The firm has expanded significantly in recent years and remains proud of its heritage. The new premises will enable it to progress its ambitions, especially around emerging technologies.” The new HQ will provide modern workspaces, high-spec client areas, collaboration and event spaces and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, it includes BREEAM Excellent and EPC A credentials, alongside facilities supporting active travel.

Leading full-service independent Scottish law firm Thorntons has promoted Corah Franco to Partner in its Private Client Team. Corah joined Thorntons in October 2022, after completing her training and spending more than three years focusing on private client work. She was then promoted to Associate at Thorntons in July 2025 before being appointed to the firm’s partnership.  Based in Dundee and serving individuals, families and business owners across Tayside, Fife and beyond, Corah advises on a broad range of estate and succession planning matters. Her work includes the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney, as well as providing advice in relation to Inheritance Tax planning and asset protection, alongside the creation and administration of Trusts, including charitable, personal injury and vulnerable persons Trusts. She has particular expertise in advising family business owners on personal and business succession planning and is recognised for her ability to articulate complex legal and tax issues clearly in the context of intergenerational succession. Corah Franco said: “What brought me to Thorntons, and what makes joining the partnership a genuine privilege, is the firm’s ambition and the breadth of what it can offer clients “Private client work rarely exists in isolation. When advising on estate and succession planning, clients are often also thinking about their business interests, their family, and what lies ahead for both.  “Being part of a full-service firm means I can connect those threads in a way that genuinely serves them. That matters to me, and it matters to the clients I work with, many of whom I hope to advise across the course of a lifetime and the next generation.” Corah also specialises in executry administration, including cross‑border estates. She often advises on Scottish forced heirship rules and the implications of religious considerations, bringing valuable technical expertise that is increasingly in demand as client estates span multiple jurisdictions. An accredited member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP), Corah is also a Notary Public, qualifying her to authenticate, certify and witness legal documents for use both in the UK and internationally.  Thorntons managing partner Lesley Larg said: “It's extremely rewarding to welcome Corah to Thorntons' partnership. Progression to partnership is a significant milestone, recognising sustained performance, leadership and alignment with the firm's long-term vision of growth and success. “Corah embodies the very best of Thorntons, combining deep sector expertise with an unwavering focus on client service and a dedication to her local community. Her promotion is a strong reflection of the talent and ambition we continue to nurture within the firm, while investing in key practice areas where client demand continues to grow.'

Thorntons has promoted 29 lawyers across its Scottish network, including four new Legal Directors, as the firm continues to grow its full-service capability. James Martin (Residential Property), Moira McInnes (Private Client), Andrew Wallace (Employment) and Columban Young-Smith (Corporate & Commercial) have all been promoted to Legal Director.  A further 25 promotions have been made, including 11 new Associates, and 14 newly appointed Senior Solicitors.  The announcement comes as Thorntons accelerates its growth in Scotland. The firm recently confirmed plans for a new headquarters at James Thomson House, a flagship £26m waterfront development by Dundee City Council.  Helen Honeyman, Chief People Officer at Thorntons, said “This is the largest round of promotions we have made in many years, and it reflects the depth of talent we have built across the practice. We are committed to developing the next generation of leaders in Scottish law and investing in the areas where our clients need us most. These promotions are a clear signal of where we are heading.” Founded in Dundee almost 170 years ago, Thorntons is Scotland's fourth-largest independent law firm, operating 14 offices and supports more than 300,000 businesses and individuals across the world with a full-service capability.  In April, it became the first Scottish member of Multilaw, one of the world's foremost networks of independent commercial law firms, operating across more than 100 countries and spanning every major business jurisdiction.   Many of the firm’s client relationships span multiple generations, reflecting its commitment to exceptional service and long-term partnership. Full list of promotions:  Legal Directors James Martin (St Andrews)  James advises clients from the UK and abroad on a wide range of residential property transactions including sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers. He has experience of working within the English residential property market, therefore can offer a unique insight for clients who may be unfamiliar with the differences of the conveyancing process in Scotland. Moira McInnes (Edinburgh) Moira specialises in Wills, executry administration, tax planning, Trust creation and administration, Powers of Attorney and welfare and finance for the elderly. She is a full member of STEP, having gained the Diploma in Trusts and Estate with Distinction. Prior to undertaking her traineeship, Moira spent six months as a Community Service Volunteer in Edinburgh, supporting adults with autism to live independently. She also spent 6 months working as a volunteer on organic farms in New Zealand.  Andrew Wallace (Edinburgh) Andrew has extensive experience of representing employers and employees in both contentious and non-contentious matters including unfair dismissals, grievances, discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, settlement agreements, absence management, redundancies, contracts and HR policies. He has a particular interest in representing clients in the registered social landlords’ sector, education sector and tech industry. Columban Young-Smith (Edinburgh) Columban advises commercial clients from established businesses to early-stage founders, covering SEIS/EIS fundraising, share options and commercial contracts. He has particular experience in golf, whisky and net zero, and advises on family investment companies alongside colleagues across employment, banking and property. As the son of an entrepreneur, he understands the pressures founders face.  Associates Rebecca Coltart (Perth/Bridge of Allan) Megan Craig (Glasgow) Erin Elyan (Glasgow) Hannah Grace (Glasgow) Calvin Gordon (Edinburgh) Ollie Hofford (Edinburgh) Adam Hoggan (Perth) Zoe Irving (Perth) Cameron Mathieson (Edinburgh) Rory Mellis (Dundee) Duncan Shaw (Cupar) Senior Solicitors Emma Alderson (Edinburgh) Andrew Bird (Edinburgh) Ashley Brolly (Edinburgh) Frances Campbell (Glasgow) Rebecca Engel-Morton (Edinburgh) Alice Hegarty (Dundee) Scott Kenyon (Inverness) Roman MacKenzie (Dundee) Louise McGregor (Perth) Perry McEwan (Inverness) Daniel Sinclair (Edinburgh) Tim McKeown (Edinburgh) Emma McKenzie (Anstruther) Darcy Reilly (Glasgow)