Anderson Strathern’s ‘record year’ sees turnover up six per cent and profits up ten per cent

The firm said client wins, panel appointments and increased activity across the private client, commercial and public sector practice groups contributed to overall growth during the year.

Bruce Farquhar, chair of Anderson Strathern, said: “Our record results for 2018 show that our growth strategy is working well and that Anderson Strathern is going from strength to strength. Our strategic focus on appointing key people both in the legal and business functions to help us with that growth will continue.

“All the indicators are that we will also have a strong 2019 with our confident proposition as a leading independent Scottish law firm with expert lawyers operating across the private client, commercial and public sectors.”

Murray McCall, managing partner, also attributed the increased turnover and profits to a clear focus on business operations and productivity gains through smarter working across the firm.

He said: “The year was one of good housekeeping and gains, achieved through teams working smarter across the firm and followed significant investment in our people and technology in 2017. An even sharper approach to our internal mechanics, alongside an absolute focus on listening to our clients, is paying dividends and is reflected in our record numbers this year.”

Mr McCall added: “It’s our mission to be the employer of choice in the Scottish legal sector and to do that we really have to walk the talk. We believe in investing in our people, they are our best assets and we are continually striving to create an even better working environment where people feel valued. In turn, our team go out and provide the highest standards of client service and we’re extremely proud of the culture that has evolved from this process.”

Anderson Strathern Asset Management, the firm’s wealth management arm led by Aberdeen Asset Management’s former head of global distribution, John Brett, grew its team during the year and now has £270 million under management.

Anderson Strathern, the first Scottish legal firm to launch a dedicated Brexit unit, has also experienced increased activity around Brexit planning in Q4 2018 and will be focusing on providing dedicated services to business clients in the run up to the UK’s departure from the EU.