Theresa Hunt, who was based in the firm’s Aberdeen office and a leading member of its specialist planning law team, passed away on Friday 24 July. She was 40 years old.

Ms Hunt spent her entire career at the firm, joining its legacy firm Paull and Williamsons in Aberdeen as a trainee in 2002.

She often represented clients involved in major planning projects in the northeast and went on to lead the firm’s licensing practice, appearing regularly in high-profile hearings across Scotland and in England.

She had overcome serious illness a number of years ago, making a strong recovery and returning to work.

Described by colleagues as talented, diligent and dedicated, she became a partner in the firm in February 2019 – a notable achievement for a lawyer so young.

Tamar Tammes, managing partner at Burness Paull, commented: “Theresa was an admired and respected colleague, lawyer and friend.

“She brought huge energy and passion to her work, and we were proud to assume her as a partner in the firm.

“It was a position she earned due to her technical excellence as a lawyer and the strong values she always displayed as a colleague.

“Theresa will be very much missed by all who knew her at Burness Paull, and her many friends, clients and contacts.

“Our thoughts are with Theresa’s family and the firm will be unstinting in its support for them at this most difficult of times.”