Chris Harte

Mr McWilliams, who has played a key role in developing the firm’s immigration offering as a senior associate, becomes a partner in the immigration team. He is recognised by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in immigration law and has been ranked as a Star Associate by Chambers and Partners since 2016.

Meanwhile, Ms MacPhail returns to the firm - where she was associate between 2014 and 2016 - to become a partner in the private client team.

Mr McWilliams said: “Having joined the firm five years ago, I am delighted to take on the role of partner. Immigration law is becoming increasingly specialised and uncertainty around Brexit means it is more important than ever for individuals, companies and businesses to get expert advice on these issues.”

Ms MacPhail said: “Morton Fraser maintains an excellent reputation for private client legal advice in Scotland and beyond. I am thrilled to be re-joining the firm as partner, returning to a fantastic team of talented private client lawyers.

“I am a strong believer that a great work environment enables a top client experience and with Morton Fraser recently having been named as one of the top 100 places to work, it’s a really exciting time for the firm.”

Welcoming the appointments, Chris Harte, chief executive of Morton Fraser, said: “Developing exceptional people has allowed us to build some of the best specialist legal teams in the country. Stuart and Catriona are great examples of Morton Fraser as a ‘talent first’ firm and the appointment of both to the role of partner was a natural choice.”