Law firm Lindsays adds 20 Dundee staff following ‘biggest’ merger

The deal is part of a programme of expansion in Tayside.

By Gavin Harper

May 30 2023, 5:55am

Lindsays managing partner Alasdair Cummings flanked by John Thom and chief operating officer Ian Beattie with new partners joining the legal firm in Dundee. Image: Lindsays.

A Dundee law firm Lindsays has added more than 20 staff following its merger with a rival firm.

The deal, which takes effect from Tuesday, sees Miller Hendry partners and staff in Dundee, Perth and Crieff transfer to Lindsays.

It is a move which marks another milestone in the firm’s growth in Tayside. It entered the local market through a merger with Shield & Kyd in 2012.

The Miller Hendry agreement strengthens Lindsays’ position as one of Dundee’s biggest legal players.

The merger sees its Seabraes team growing from 60 people to 82, with 11 partners.

It also gives the firm its first direct presence in Perthshire through the offices and staff joining in Perth and Crieff.

At the time of its Shield & Kyd merger, Lindsays’ Dundee team stood at 25, including four partners. Its second phase of growth followed a merger with RSB Macdonald in 2015.

‘Important day’ for Lindsays

Managing partner Alasdair Cummings said he was excited for the future.

He said: “This is another important day for our firm in the region.

“We are delighted to have the former Miller Hendry team joining the Lindsays family.

“Our continued growth in Dundee – and throughout Tayside – over the past 11 years is a source of huge pride for us.

Lindsays managing partner Alasdair Cummings. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

“Now being in Perth for the first time is a significant moment for us too, opening new opportunities for our firm, as well as our clients.

“We are committed to the area for the long term.

“We see huge potential for the expert, accessible and reliable legal advice which our team provides to support people with their personal, family and business affairs.”

Merger the start of ‘exciting chapter’

The Miller Hendry deal, first announced in March, is Lindsays’ biggest merger to date.

The entire enlarged firm now comprises almost 50 partners and 300 staff, including those at offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Miller Hendry chairman John Thom and Lindsays managing partner Alasdair Cummings. Image: Lindsays.

Former Miller Hendry chairman John Thom, who remains a Perth-based partner, said: “Becoming part of Lindsays marks the beginning of an exciting chapter.

“For our clients, this merger means they will benefit from a wider range of legal services, while still working with professionals they know and trust.

“Our staff, meanwhile, will now enjoy broader career options, while remaining part of a firm which retains a family feel.”