Partner promotions mark start of new era at Burness Paull

With effect from 1st August 2018, Peter Lawson takes over as chairman while Tamar Tammes moves into the role of managing partner.

Peter Lawson, chairman of Burness Paull, said: “We always look to the future and Tamar and I are very excited about our ambitious strategy. Growth and quality of team go hand-in-hand, and for that reason we have made key appointments in strategically important practice areas and across our three offices.

“We plan to work with all of our team to ensure that we continue to improve everything we do and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Signalling its confidence in Aberdeen’s oil and gas market, the firm is appointing Gary Chapman as a partner in its corporate finance team. Chapman has significant international experience, particularly in Houston and Norway, and his promotion recognises his outstanding client skills and track record at a time when the oil and gas sector is experiencing an encouraging uptick in deal activity.

The firm’s employment law expertise is bolstered with the appointment of Morag Moffett and Jennifer Skeoch as partners.

Ms Skeoch specialises in employment and discrimination law, with a particular flair for complex contentious matters and has been involved in Employment Tribunal cases throughout the UK relating to claims of unfair dismissal; whistleblowing; discrimination; breach of TUPE and collective redundancy obligations; holiday pay and equal pay.

She also plays a key role in the development of the firm’s international strategy, collaborating closely with SDI in helping to promote Scotland as a hub for international business.

Ms Moffett also specialises in employment law and works closely with Burness Paull’s corporate finance team to provide employment support on issues arising from business transfers and reorganisations, property transactions and contracting in/out situations.

She advises clients in a broad range of sectors on large-scale projects such as harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment and redundancy exercises, and has a particular specialism in relation to the application of the TUPE regulations.

Allan Leal becomes a partner in the banking and funds team, adding to the firm’s market-leading wealth of experience in the sector. Leal previously worked in London and Moscow, and has particular expertise in real estate and leveraged finance deals on a domestic and international basis.

Ms Tammes said: “Our clients and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and our remit is to continue to keep our partners and staff motivated and excited by the firm we are growing. We believe we have the most talented team in the Scottish legal market, and Gary, Jen, Morag and Allan are fantastic additions to our partner team.”