Morton Fraser, Interlaw’s partner firm in Scotland, has announced it has merged with MacRoberts, creating a new, top-tier independent firm in Scotland.

The newly merged firm - Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP - will immediately double in size and scale, entering the ‘top tier’ of Scottish firms. As part of Scotland’s ‘big four’ independent law firms, it will also be over 30% larger by turnover than its nearest rival. 

Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP’s combined strengths will broaden and deepen the range of services available to clients. It will also be able to offer a wider range of market-leading teams and its increased scale will ensure it can better meet evolving client needs.   

Chris Harte, currently CEO of Morton Fraser, will become CEO of Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, while Neil Kennedy, Managing Partner of MacRoberts, is to become Chief Operating Officer.   

Chris Harte said: 

“The time has come for a new style of law firm within Scotland’s top tier. Morton Fraser and MacRoberts are complementary firms, built on similar values. We are both known for our user-friendly, people-centred approach and those qualities will continue to drive our thinking for the future.  By merging, we will compete even more strongly in our chosen markets, while offering something truly unique for the top tier.”   

Neil Kennedy added: 

“This is a great move for our people and our clients. Joining our collective talents and resources will help us to accelerate our growth, offering greater strength in depth and more wide-ranging services to clients. We are committed to excellence at every turn and will be focusing heavily on how our newly merged business can invest in talent and technology. It is an exciting time.”    

Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the merger is projected to go live on 1 November 2023.