The newly qualified solicitors have joined the firm’s commercial litigation, wills, trusts and succession, family law, corporate business and personal injury teams in the Dundee and Edinburgh offices.

Sophie Kirk, Iain Buchan, Baktosch Gillan, Rory Mellis, Emma Alderson, Eve McBride, and Ollie Hofford joined the firm as trainees and have all qualified within the last six months.

Lesley Larg, Thorntons’ managing partner, said: “We’re delighted that these talented lawyers are continuing their career with the firm – all of them have demonstrated commitment, professionalism and resilience throughout their traineeship.

“At Thorntons, we recognise the need to encourage and support the next generation of lawyers who will bring fresh and vibrant thinking to a fast-changing profession.

“Supporting our people and culture is a core priority and the continued success of our graduate programme reflects our longstanding commitment to developing and investing in our people to enhance the firm’s growth strategy.”

Mr Gillan explained the attraction of starting his career at Thorntons. He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my traineeship at Thorntons and I am thrilled to have now qualified into the commercial litigation team.

“Having previously experienced rotations in intellectual property and employment, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting cases with a wide range of clients, all with great support and advice from partners and solicitors at all levels.

“My previous career in journalism and media relations has been helpful in some of the work I’m doing now which includes defamation, privacy and contentious intellectual property matters, but also extends to contract disputes, property and title issues, and criminal defence.

“Thorntons is an ambitious, expanding firm with a warm and friendly culture, which provides a great platform for trainees who want to learn and grow with the firm.”

Mr Gillan has recently been appointed to The MiniTrials Steering Group, an initiative that promotes legal education in schools in which secondary school pupils take part in mock criminal and civil trails. He will develop and manage MiniTrails’ social media presence with a view to increasing interest and engagement among lawyers, teachers and pupils.