Scottish law firm McGrigors merges with London-based Pinsent Masons next month and the head of the Aberdeen office is to be Roger Connon.
Pinsent Masons, as the new entity will be known from May 1, will be the largest law firm in Scotland, with other offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The combined business will employ more than 2,500 people worldwide, including 1,500-plus lawyers.
Mr Connon, a partner in McGrigors since 2006, will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Granite City operation employing 50 people.
Together with commercial-property partner Tracey Menzies, he will oversee a move from McGrigors’ office in Rose Street to new premises in Queen’s Road in August.
Prior to the merger announcement, McGrigors forecast the firm would recruit up to a further 30 staff in Aberdeen over three years to meet client demand for services.
This big expansion of the workforce is still very much on the cards.
Pinsent Masons will continue to provide a range of legal services, particularly to the energy sector.
Mr Connon said: “This new role could not come at a more interesting time as our two complementary firms join together and we get ready to relocate to a purpose-built headquarters in the heart of Aberdeen’s business district.
“I am looking forward to the challenges this position will bring and, supported by a close-knit team of partners and staff, I am confident Pinsent Masons will build on the foundations laid down by McGrigors and play a pivotal role in the Aberdeen and north-east business community.
“The new premises provide us with a modern facility and capability to grow the firm, in an environment suited to the needs of emerging and established companies working in Europe’s oil capital.
“Our stronger presences across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region will be an attractive proposition to those same firms with exportable services and technologies or aspirations to work in global energy markets.”