The new partners are Martin Walker who joined the firm as a trainee in 2015 before becoming a solicitor in its litigation team, and experienced private client specialist, Graeme Thomson, who joined the firm in 2018. 

Mr Walker completed the accelerated LLB and diploma at the University of Edinburgh having previously obtained an M.A. (Honours) in economic and social history from the University of Glasgow. He also has a masters level certificate in regulatory law and Practice from the University of Aberdeen. Prior to pursuing his legal career, he was head of humanities in a large international school in the United Arab Emirates.

He undertakes a varied caseload specialising in litigation and professional regulation. He has represented clients in a wide range of litigation cases and has a particular interest in aviation cases. He also undertakes fatal accident inquiries having recently been instructed in both the Clutha and Sumburgh FAIs. He acts on behalf of a broad range of professionals referred to their respective regulatory bodies for conduct and competence matters and in the associated criminal complaints and referrals to Disclosure Scotland.

Mr Thomson qualified as a solicitor in 2003 having completed his studies at the University of Edinburgh. He then embarked on a year’s work experience in Australia which included working for two large legal firms, Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills) in Sydney and Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) in Melbourne, and a royal commission set up to investigate impropriety within the ambulance service in Victoria, before returning to Edinburgh.

He then completed a two-year residential property traineeship with Warners before moving to Lindsays, where he transitioned from residential to private client work, spending 10 years there. before joining Balfour and Manson as senior associate two years ago,  he was head of the private client team at Boyd Legal.

Elaine Motion, chairman of Balfour and Manson said: “These promotions to Partner reflect that we continue on a path to nurture and develop our rich pool of talent that delivers unparalleled service to clients through their deep expertise and our renowned collaborative teamwork approach. 

“I am delighted that we have been able to promote Martin and Graeme to partner and warmly congratulate them both. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with clients founded on quality of service, and both Martin and Graeme have proved outstanding in this regard.”