Anderson Strathern strengthens private client practice

In April, the firm acquired the Glasgow-based private client firm, Jeffrey Aitken, and in 2015 it hired Anne Henderson, formerly head of private client (Scotland) at DWF.

Colin Henderson, head of private client at Anderson Strathern sees issues like Brexit, indyref2 and pensions as three of the main points on the near horizon for Scotland’s high net worth community with opportunities and challenges in equal measure as 2016 draws towards a close.

He said: “We are seeing increasing demand for legal and wealth management advice, with individuals facing changes and uncertainty to the law of succession, inheritance of pension pots and the tax treatment of income and savings continuing to dominate our dealings with clients - all against the backdrop of Brexit and indyref2.

“Within our practice, it’s satisfying that we’re bringing through so much young talent and with consolidation within the legal sector on the increase we fully expect to expand further with lateral hires.”

Managing partner, Murray McCall, said: “We continue to identify opportunities in the market which may translate to acquisitions in the near to medium term.”

While succession planning remains a hot topic with clients, the firm’s own succession policy is reflected in some of the recent promotions within the team. Martin Campbell has been promoted to partner, specialising in tax advice, with Susie Stewart and Sophia Li, who focus on looking after the legal and family office affairs across several generations of high net worth clients, both becoming senior associates.

Alastair Johnstone is promoted to associate while Sarah Thurston becomes a senior solicitor, with both working the key areas of private client services of wills and associated succession planning.

Mr Henderson said: “The new promotions focus on the key areas of family succession planning, family office services and specialist tax advice and add real value for our clients.”