Law firm Brodies LLP has added to its corporate crime practice with the appointment of new partner Neil Hay. Hay is recognised for his expertise in criminal law and financial crime where he provides strategic legal advice and specialist court representation for individuals, companies and organisations under investigation or facing prosecution.
Neil Hay joins Brodies from Levy & McRae along with legal director Andrew Seggie and senior solicitor Hannah Baxter.
Hay said: “Brodies is recognised as having the market-leading corporate crime practice in Scotland and is valued by clients UK-wide. Joining a firm with Brodies’ reputation, capability and ambition creates an excellent opportunity to grow the practice, by providing criminal law advice and representation for individual clients, while complementing the firm’s existing corporate crime team.”
Brodies has also added to its commercial services practice with the appointment of trade mark attorney Ryan Kellingray. Ryan specialises in UK and international trade mark prosecution and works closely with clients on brand protection and enforcement matters.
Brodies managing partner, Stephen Goldie said: “The appointments of Neil and his team, alongside Ryan, reflect our continued focus on listening to our clients and responding with a strategy that meets their expectations of both our firm and the breadth and quality of specialist legal services we deliver.
The Brodies appointments come as the firm commits to its presence in Glasgow by adding 10,544 sq ft on the 7th floor of its 110 Queen Street office. In November, the firm opened an office in Leeds.
Goldie continues: “Across our offices, we invest in modern, technology‑enabled spaces that promote colleague wellbeing and encourage collaboration. The expansion of our Glasgow office is a clear reflection of those priorities and our wider growth ambitions, ensuring we continue to deliver the high-quality service our clients expect.”
DONNA STRONG JOINS BTO SOLICITORS
Meanwhile Donna Strong has joined law firm BTO Solicitors as a partner in the firm’s real estate team, based in its Glasgow office. This hire follows the appointment of partner John Dunlop in the firm’s Edinburgh office last year, further strengthening BTO’s growing real estate capability.
Strong, formerly with TLT LLP, brings over 20 years’ experience advising on all aspects of commercial real estate. She has an impressive track record of acting for developers, property investors, retailers and other occupiers, many of whom she has supported across the full property lifecycle.
Grant Hunter, managing partner of BTO, said: “Donna is widely recognised for her commercial, pragmatic approach and her strong client relationships. Her experience across retail, leisure and investment work will be a valuable addition to our Real Estate team and the services we offer to the market. We are delighted to welcome her to the firm as we continue to invest in bringing top talent to BTO in line with our strategic business plan of driving sustainable growth.”
Donna Strong added: “I am excited to be joining BTO at this stage in its expansion. The calibre of the Real Estate team, headed by Nicolas McBride, and the firm’s collaborative culture really stood out for me. I look forward to working with Nick and my new colleagues across the business to support our clients on complex and strategic property matters, and to building on BTO’s excellent reputation in the market.”
