Anderson Strathern’s new chair says the firm is positioned to continue its trajectory of revenue and profit growth, even in what he considers a “challenging time” for the profession and the economy.
Fraser Geddes has relinquished his position as head of the dispute resolution team to take over the role from Bruce Farquhar next month.
He wants the £28.5m Scottish law firm - which can trace its roots back to the 1600s - “to create some clear blue water between us and our immediate competitors” under his stewardship.
Geddes, who has been part of Anderson Strathern for just over 12 years, is also resolute that there is “absolutely no desire to join up with any UK or international practices“ and it will remain a fully-independent firm.
“I see the firm continuing to grow its income from south of the border and overseas - as well as within Scotland - in a legal marketplace that is more focussed on offering value for money than at any other time in my career.
“The public and private sectors and corporate clients are all fighting ongoing inflationary pressures.”
Geddes also hinted that the firm - which is soon to relocate its main base in Edinburgh to premises within Capital Square - is set to report strong results from its corporate investment business, based on a particularly successful 2022.
“The economy remains challenging, but I don’t expect the current recessionary clouds to linger as long as many people have feared.”
Anderson Strathern had already shifted strongly towards a remote-working culture, even before Covid forced the move on many in the Scottish workforce. But the new chair sees no reason to u-turn on that.
“We maintained our levels of business, performance, and team spirit during the pandemic.
“We were among the first law firms to completely embrace remote working, which meant when the pandemic hit, we were able to cope with the strains which proved so hard for other firms and companies.
“Taking two floors in Capital Square in the heart of Edinburgh is a visible statement of our commitment in that regard, there is space for around 75% of our staff at any one time; so there will be no three-line whip in terms of staff returning to the workplace full-time.”
In his first 100 days, Geddes expects to meet every one of the 51 partners face-to-face and make an appearance at all the firm’s regular departmental meetings.
He added that the legal profession has changed dramatically compared to earlier in his career.
“We have moved from being consulted only when something needs verified or a statutory process completed, or when a client is in trouble – to a place where a lawyer must be infinitely more proactive in leading honest conversations about how best they can meet and hopefully exceed client expectations, on all fronts.
“The difference between good and great lawyers, is being able to develop and nurture relationships.”
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