Miller Samuel Hill Brown has appointed partner and head of private client and residential property Edward Laverty as chief executive.

He joined the Glasgow-based law firm as a property assistant and has been a partner for 30 years.

The firm said his appointment is key to its growth plan and development goals.

Mr Laverty has been involved in the acquisition of development sites, the purchase of large property portfolios and rural and country estates.

He also deals with the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, trusts and wealth management issues.

He said: “The firm saw significant growth during the pandemic thanks to the focused implementation of our strategic plan and strong financial management.”

Chairwoman Marie Macdonald commented: “We are lucky to have seen the benefit of sound strategic implementation spearheaded by Edward over the last few years.”

Ledingham Chalmers

Ledingham Chalmers has promoted partner Craig Pike to head of its private client team.

Mr Pike joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2005, qualifying in 2007, and was promoted to partner in 2015.

The private client team advises individuals on the likes of wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, trusts and executries as well as inheritance tax and succession planning. It also covers rural and residential property matters.

Partner Alasdair MacLure in the Aberdeen commercial property team is retiring.

Mr MacLure has been with Ledingham Chalmers for more than 30 years and will work with the firm on a consultancy basis.

Lindsays

Lindsays has promoted private client lawyer Alison McKay to partner from director – having joined the Glasgow-based team only two years ago.

She is one of six lawyers whose promotions have been announced today.