With more than 17 years’ experience, she joins Brodies from Weightmans LLP, where she led its UK immigration team and Scottish employment practice.

Head of employment at Brodies, Tony Hadden, said: “Elaine is a well-known employment and immigration lawyer with a great reputation in the UK market. Our clients will benefit from her knowledge and experience both in employment law and in the area of immigration, which as the Brexit process continues, is a key issue for employers.”

Solicitor Erin McLafferty has also joined Brodies from Weightmans LLP and will work alongside Ms McIlroy and the firm’s other employment and immigration specialists, which now number 25 across Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The firm’s presence in the Highlands also continues to grow with the appointment of associate Adam Brooks. He will be based in the Dingwall office and will provide support to oil and gas clients, with a focus on upstream activity and the service sector.

Brodies’ managing partner, Nick Scott, said: “Our clients value our ability to see their legal challenges from many perspectives. As a result of listening to our clients, and in response to the strategic plans we set ourselves, today we add considerable expertise as we welcome Elaine, Erin and Adam to our firm.”