Another strong year for MacRoberts as profits climb 12 per cent to £6.9m

MacRoberts LLP has had an impressive year with increased turnover, profits and headcount. Draft accounts in the year-end to April 2016 show turnover up by 10 per cent to £19.78 million, profits climbing 12 per cent to £6.9 million and the firm’s headcount increasing by 12 per cent across its three offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.

In other areas of growth for the firm, MacRoberts established Scotland’s first ever corporate defence team headed up by “Lawyer of the Year” (Scottish Legal Awards 2016) John McGovern. The team specialises in the defence of high profile corporate criminal prosecutions raised in Scotland by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

MacRoberts also continued to attract new clients through competitive tendering, which included retaining their place on the Scottish government legal framework panel and being appointed to act for the government on all contract and commercial matters. Other client wins or re-appointments included Breedon Group plc, City of Edinburgh Council, Fife College, C S Wind, Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

The firm made significant lateral hires from major competitors and internal promotions saw Jennifer McKay (construction) and Michael Kelly (corporate) being made partners.

MacRoberts invested in areas of the firm which support the delivery of legal services. With the support of HSBC, major investment was made on upgrading IT, finance and client systems as well as a full corporate rebrand, including the launch of a new website. This significant investment makes the financial results for the year even more impressive.

Managing partner John Macmillan said: “Against a backdrop of continuing market uncertainty and political volatility, we have grown our turnover and profit, and generated new business from both new and existing clients.

He added: “It has been a really interesting time for the firm, with signs of increased activity in a number of sectors, particularly investments, energy and public sector, and we are looking forward to seeing that continue.”