Janette Speed, real estate partner and previously head of Edinburgh has been officially named head of Scotland for Shoosmiths. She will assume overarching responsibility to spearhead further growth for the business north of the border, with a remit that includes adding further to the firm’s impressive blue-chip client base and attracting additional quality legal talent to the expanding Scottish operation.

Alison Gilson, head of corporate for Shoosmiths in Scotland is now also head of the Edinburgh office, focused on ensuring the continued success and growth of Shoosmiths’ presence in Scotland’s capital city.

Real estate partner Barry McKeown has been confirmed as the head of the Glasgow office, an announcement that comes as Shoosmiths prepares to open a new 5,000 square metre office space within The Garment Factory in Glasgow’s business and innovation district.

Simon Boss, CEO of Shoosmiths, said: “Shoosmiths recognises Scotland as an exceptional place for legal talent and also a place many of our clients call home, or have a strong presence.

“Our strategy is to be the top UK law firm famous for client experience. Continuing to drive the success Shoosmiths has enjoyed in Scotland is a key component in delivering on this strategy.

“With our continued investment in Scotland in the form of a new Glasgow office, alongside leadership from Janette, Barry and Alison, I am in no doubt the firm will continue to grow and develop successfully.”

Ms Speed added: “I feel very privileged to be tasked with working closely with Alison and Barry to attract further top tier clients to our business and to ensure through our in-depth sectoral knowledge and collaborative working practices that we collectively continue to deliver the quality of service, advice and results for which Shoosmiths is renowned.

“I am thrilled Alison and Barry will now assume responsibility for the fantastic and highly talented legal teams within our respective Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. I am confident that their considerable legal experience, excellent client management skills and ability to nurture legal talent within the business will ensure our Scotland operation continues to go from strength to strength.”

The announcement of the appointments comes in a year when Shoosmiths’ recorded a strong financial performance for FY 2020/21, and released its inaugural Impact Report, detailing its impressive programme of ESG initiatives. In July 2021 Shoosmiths reported that revenue was up nine percent year-on-year to £167.9 million, net profit up 31 per cent to £55.4m and PEP up 41 per cent to £658,000.