Glasgow law firms Kerr Barrie and Mitchells Roberton merge

Glasgow-based Mitchells Roberton, which can trace its involvement in Scottish legal affairs back to the 1700s, will merge today with another long-established city legal firm, Kerr Barrie. The merged firm will continue to be known as Mitchells Roberton.

The merger will increase Mitchells Roberton’s complement of eight partners and 55 staff by five. Of Kerr Barrie’s two partners, Martin McLellan will become a partner and Margot Manson will become a consultant. All will transfer from offices in the city’s West George Street to Mitchells Roberton’s premises in North Hanover Street.

For Kerr Barrie, which can trace its history in Glasgow back to 1813, the move represents a return to its roots: John Kerr, who established the firm, having first come to the city to train as a clerk with James Hill (a founding father of what is now Mitchells Roberton).

Kerr Barrie advises individuals, families and small and medium businesses, providing a wide range of traditional legal services. Its senior partner until his recent retirement was the well-known Sir Adrian Shinwell.

Donald Reid, partner and chairman of Mitchells Roberton, said: “We are all very much looking forward to welcoming Martin and Margot and to working with them and their experienced colleagues.

“There are strong similarities between our firms, notably shared professional values and client focus, and we expect to strengthen further our offering to clients as a result of this merger.”

Mr McLellan said: “We are very pleased to be bringing our clients into the Mitchells Roberton stable. As a firm, they have the same outlook as we do and they think the same way.”

Mr Reid added: “Both of our firms are relied upon, and trusted by, our clients. We aim to create a reassuring environment in which clients can feel safe. We share the same values and emphasis on integrity. And we have a tradition of putting clients first, rather than client value.”