Mr Hay brings with him his core legal team of associate solicitor Andrew Seggie and legal team PA Michelle McKinnon from MTM Defence Lawyers.

The new team will be Edinburgh-based but will work across the whole of Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. The hire also means that the firm has a stronger presence in London where it hopes to extend its links further.

A specialist in private criminal law, Mr Hay has a long professional association with the firm that goes back almost 25 years and has worked in partnership with Levy & McRae on a number of cases.

He specialises in all aspects of criminal law, including complex regulatory crime, fraud and financial crime, historical allegations and road traffic cases; he is particularly highly regarded for his expertise in defending serious sexual and domestic crime cases.

Mr Hay has an extensive high-net-worth individual caseload and is trusted by referral firms from across the UK, including magic circle firms, to handle some of the most complex and demanding reputational cases in and out of court - for individuals, organisations and corporations alike.

David McKie

Mr Seggie specialises in all areas of criminal law including domestic abuse offences, sexual offences, assault, offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, road traffic offences and proceedings brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act. His work often involves the most challenging cross-jurisdictional matters and historical allegations.

The firm also announced the promotion of Ray Gribben to legal director.

David McKie, senior partner, said: “I am delighted to welcome Neil and his team to Levy & McRae. Our firm has a long history of undertaking high quality criminal defence work and Neil’s reputation is exemplary in that field. I am particularly delighted too that we are opening in Edinburgh for the first time I’d like to congratulate Ray too on his well deserved promotion.”

Mr Hay said: “It is a great pleasure to join the team at Levy & McRae. It is a firm I have known and admired for many years and look forward to developing my practice in exciting and vibrant legal firm.”