Balfour+Manson merges with Aberdeen private client firm

Balfour+Manson will move its Aberdeen staff into Duthie Ward’s offices in Carden Place following the formal tie-up on 30th June, leaving its current base in Albyn Place.

Duthie Ward’s partners, Alastair Duthie and Richard Ward, who provide a wide range of private client, property and family law services, will join Balfour+Manson as consultants. Their staff members will also join Balfour+Manson, taking its head count in Aberdeen to 16.

Elaine Motion, executive chairman of Balfour+Manson, said: “We are delighted to have the Duthie Ward team on board. Alastair and Richard are both very well-known and well-respected lawyers in Aberdeen with deep roots in the city.

“Their expertise in private client and family law work will add even more to our expanding range of services for customers in Aberdeen. And the office in Carden Place is perfect for us, right in the heart of the city’s business area. This continues our strategy to grow and develop our Aberdeen office.”

Balfour+Manson’s recent expansion in Aberdeen has included hiring family lawyer Kirsten Lobban and employment lawyer Jenna Redpath who starts with the firm next week.

Julie Clark-Spence, who heads up Balfour+Manson’s Aberdeen office, said: “We have a strong litigation team in Aberdeen, especially in personal injury and medical negligence - and we still have the highest ranking in those areas in the leading legal directories.

“We are focused on strengthening the Aberdeen team to broaden and deepen what we can offer to our clients in the city, in family law, employment and private client work.”

In a statement, Alastair Duthie and Richard Ward said: “We are delighted to join Balfour+Manson and to be able to continue offering a great service to our clients in Aberdeen. Indeed, we hope to be able to offer an even better, broader service with the support of a wider team of excellent lawyers from Balfour+Manson.”

Iain Nicol, who ran a litigation practice in Livingston, West Lothian, has also joined the firm as a partner, along with his secretary June Paton.

“This is a very positive step towards expanding and developing our well-respected litigation practice,” said Ms Motion.