Scottish law firms WJM and Davidson Chalmers Stewart merge

Scottish law firms Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) and Davidson Chalmers Stewart have announced that they have merged.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart was itself formed from the merger of Davidson Chalmers and Kergan Stewart on 1 May 2019. It is an independent commercial law firm operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Galashiels. Its team of legal experts is focused on the needs of business clients, large and small, from across Scotland and beyond.

The now combined firm will have over 200 employees including 46 partners, working across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dunblane and Galashiels – supported by the wider Irwin Mitchell team which invested in WJM last year.

The firms’ combined sector specialisms include planning, food and drink, renewable energy, estate planning, business and professional services, real estate, construction, health and social care, rural business, and housebuilding.

Clients will also have access to advisors across more than 200 jurisdictions through the firms’ international law firm networks. Indeed, Davidson Chalmers Stewart is the Scottish representative legal firm of Globalaw. It was established in 1994 and is now one of the world’s top 10 law firm networks comprising over 110 independent law firms with approximately 4,500 lawyers practising in over 80 countries worldwide.

In its most recent financial filing to Companies House for the year ending April 30, 2024 WJM reported a £15.3 million turnover and a profit before tax of £5.3 million.

Fraser Gillies, managing partner of Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, said: “We are excited to announce completion of this deal which brings together two firms with complementary areas of expertise, bringing added value to our clients through even stronger service.”

Andrew Chalmers, chair of Davidson Chalmers Stewart, said: “This deal, one of the most significant in both firms’ history, marks a pivotal moment and paves the way for growth and enhanced services across key sectors.”

Mark Higgins, chair of WJM and managing partner of Irwin Mitchell Scotland, added: “This is a major step in our strategic growth plan for Scotland and we look forward to exploring the exciting opportunities it will bring.”

Find out more about trends in legal M&A

Share this article

Latest Professional and Financial Businesses for Sale

---

---

---

View more businesses for sale