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SEARCH SCOTLAND LEGAL NEWSLETTER

We'd like to open this issue of the newsletter by drawing your attention to a very special announcement from us. Click here to find out more!

MEET THE TEAM

Search are delighted to announce the appointment of Michelle Beaumont as an Associate Director with responsibility for the Legal Division.

Michelle is a highly experienced and respected recruitment professional whose diverse recruitment career spans some 16 years, initially entering the professional as a trainee consultant within the Business Support Division for a national recruitment consultancy.

Her fast track career progression enabled Michelle to gain exposure within the Scottish Professional Recruitment market sectors in particular Legal and Human Resources. For the past 9 years Michelle has specialised in Legal recruitment assisting a diverse range of firms and organisations within both the public and private sectors throughout Scotland, recruiting all levels of legal personal including support, paralegal and qualified positions.  

Michelle is a Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals and retains links with several professional bodies and Associations in Scottish Law, including the law Society of Scotland, Scottish Paralegal Association and the Scottish Young lawyers Association.

Michelle is delighted to have joined SEARCH and looks forward to extending her strong working relationships with existing clients and candidates as well as new clients and candidates within the legal division.


MARKET OVERVIEW

Quarter 3 has brought mixed fortunes within the legal sector. Whilst there has been a slight slow down in the market there has been a positive retention  rate amongst the 2011 trainees. Encouragingly, quite of few of those that have not remained with their training firm have gone on to secure a solicitors post elsewhere. Any newly qualified that are still looking should remain optimistic!

Lawyer recruitment continues across a variety of sectors including pensions, corporate, restructuring, employment, renewables, across a variety of locations from Glasgow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh to London and from The Channel Islands to Wick. Plenty of unusual opportunities for lawyers with itchy feet and an adventurous spirit!

In house opportunities remain, albeit not as many as at the start of the year and tend to be fairly specialist.

The paralegal market continues to be stable with a number of opportunities arising in debt recovery, personal injury and recoveries. The new Law Society recognition continues to have an impact on the sector.


OFF THE PRESS       

Semple Fraser lawyers recognised as Leaders in their Field 

Semple Fraser is delighted to announce that 15 of its solicitors have been recommended as "Leaders in their field" by legal directory, Chambers and Partners, for its 2012 UK edition.

The solicitors are:

• Sarah Baillie - Planning (Scotland)
• Vincent Brown - Environment (Scotland & London /UK)
• Kenneth Carruthers - Planning (Scotland)
• Elspeth Carson - Real Estate (Scotland)
• Simon Etchells - Real Estate (Scotland & NW)
• June Gilles - Planning (Scotland)
• Alison Gow - Dispute Resolution, Real Estate Litigation (Scotland)
• Paul Haniford - Real Estate (Scotland)
• Gordon Hollerin - Restructuring/Insolvency (Scotland)
• Alex Innes - Banking & Finance (Scotland)
• Charlotte Johns - Employment (Scotland)
• Colin Keenan - Real Estate (Scotland)
• Scott Kerr - Intellectual Property (Scotland)
• Stuart Macfarlane - Construction (Scotland)
• Simon Wallwork - Corporate (NW)

Charlotte Johns and Simon Wallwork have been ranked for the first time this year, and Simon Etchells has been nominated for the North West region, as well as Scotland Real Estate.

Individuals are ranked after extensive research by the Chambers team with opinions sought from clients, peers, referees and competitors.

Eden Springs acquire Shakespeare Coffee Company

Semple Fraser has advised its client, Eden Springs, on the strategic acquisition of the Shakespeare Coffee Company Limited.

Eden Springs, one of the leading suppliers in the UK of bottled and point of use water coolers, has acquired the entire issued share capital of the Shakespeare Coffee Company as part of its strategic diversification into complementary areas including the supplies of other beverages.

The Shakespeare Coffee Company business, based in Warwickshire, has turnover in excess of £5 million relating primarily to the supply of Kenco coffee machines and products.

Semple Fraser advised on all legal aspects of the transaction.

Watermans enjoy strong start

Watermans Solicitors has enjoyed an incredibly strong start to 2011 with new business figures growing month on month since the turn of the year. Business levels are currently eclipsing the same figures the firm enjoyed this time last year and has allowed the Leith-headquartered personal injury specialists to add 3 key additions to its personnel this year. 

The firm recently took time out to recognise the continued growth and success of the firm to mark its 11th year in business, which also coincided with the firm taking on its 11,000th personal injury claim.  The occasion was marked with a drinks reception.

Watermans are also delighted to announce that they have been appointed as the sole Scottish solicitor for Accident Toolkit, an exciting new  smartphone app which offers assistance , guidance  and information to people who have been involved in accidents.  Both organisations are excited about the new link-up which is hoped will be of great mutual benefit.


THE LAW AWARDS SCOTLAND WINNERS 2011   

The Law Awards of Scotland 2011 were held on Thursday 8th September 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow.  A fantastic night was had by all, the winners of each category are detailed below: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Lord Rodger of Earlsferry
• Legal Academic of the Year - Elaine Tyre
• Legal Personality of the Year - Maggie Scott QC
• Chairman's Award -  Simpson & Marwick 
• Law Firm of the Year (over 50 fee earners) - Aberdein Considine & Co 
• Law Firm of the Year (under 50 fee earners) - Anderson Solicitors LLP
• Solicitor of the Year - Mike Dailly, Govan Law Centre
• Managing Partner of the Year - Lorne Crerar & Martin Darroch, Harper Macleod LLP
• Paralegal of the Year - Lesley McMillan, Ross Harper
• Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Adams Whyte 
• In-house Lawyer/Team of the Year - Ian McPherson, Strathclyde Police 
• Corporate Lawyer of the Year - Stuart Hendry, MBM Commercial LLP 
• Criminal Lawyer of the Year - John Scott, Capital Defence Lawyers 
• Up and Coming Lawyer of the Year - Laura Bloxham, Archibald Campbell & Harley
• Trainee of the Year - Louise King, Inksters 
• Family Law Firm of the Year - Simpson & Marwick 
• Private Client Firm of the Year - Morisons 
• Up & Coming Law Firm of the Year - Kerr Brown Partnership 
• Employment Firm of the Year - Thompsons Solicitors 
• Commercial Property Firm of the Year - Biggart Baillie 
• Litigation Firm of the Year - Peacock Johnston
• IP Lawyer of the Year - Philip Hannay, Macdonald Henderson
• Corporate Social Responsibility Firm of the Year - Digby Brown

FEATURED FIRM

Ogier is one of the world's leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services. The group has a presence in ten jurisdictions around the world, namely Bahrain, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jersey, London, Shanghai and Tokyo.  Today we employ over 850 professional and support staff. 

Ogier provides advice on all aspects of BVI, Cayman, Guernsey and Jersey law, together with a very broad range of trust and administration services through a global network of offices that cover all time zones and key financial markets.

Corporate and finance law and associated fiduciary services form the core of our business, principally in the areas of banking, corporate and commercial, investment funds, private wealth, real estate investment, and structured finance. At the same time we are a full-service firm, with strong practices in the areas of employee benefits, employment law, litigation and property.

Being a leader in the offshore world we have long-established relationships with many of the world's leading international financial institutions, professional advisors and regulatory bodies. We offer clients the strength in depth to handle the largest, most demanding and complex offshore transactions and pride ourselves on providing expert, efficient and cost-effective advice and services across all time zones.

We are a people business and invest substantially in recruiting and retaining the best candidates.  We offer a generous benefits package and structured training programmes to ensure our employees are well rewarded and have the opportunity to realise their full career potential. We offer career opportunities in fiduciary, legal and support roles.

We are currently recruiting for the following vacancies in Guernsey:

• Legal Associate (minimum 2 years' PQE)
• Senior Administrator Fiduciary Services
• Legal Secretary (evenings)

Guernsey is a first-class, thriving, offshore financial centre, 45 minutes flying time from the UK and Europe, with high standards of education, health care, and an abundance of sporting facilities.  It is a haven of natural beauty and charm.  It provides an excellent base for a career move that ensures City of London quality of work, with very high standards of living.  See www.liveguernsey.com. 

More information about these vacancies can be accessed via our website on www.ogier.com/Careers/Pages/Default.aspx. If you are interested, applications can be emailed to guernsey.recruitment@ogier.com or if you prefer a confidential conversation beforehand, please contact Amanda Hobart on +44 (0)1481 721672.

"Pure professionalism and service - cannot be beaten" PLC Which Lawyer?

"They're top-notch to the point that I'll go out of my way to use them" Chambers Global

Recent  awards

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY
 

Struggling to find that position which strikes the perfect work/life balance? This fantastic opportuntiy at BBM Solicitors could be exactly the position you've been waiting for. Click here for more information.

 

FEATURED INTERVIEW-Rona Cargill, HR Director 
 

• How long have you been with Harper Macleod? 
  It was 5 years in June this year.  I had a brief spell with Harper Macleod in 2004 before travelling - I kept in touch with Martin Darroch (Chief Executive) for the next 2 years, and was lucky to be offered the chance to come back in June 2006. 
   
• Talk us through a typical day? 
  Every day is different - for example, this week I've been involved in the induction for our new graduates, advising managers on staff issues, a board meeting, interviewing, a performance management meeting, the Partner appraisal process and planning for a large HR/IT project.  One of the things I love about the role is the variety, and the fact that I'm given the opportunity to be involved in the people strategy for the firm as well as day-to-day HR operations - sometimes I get involved in projects that may not be seen as strictly HR, but I enjoy that and it's a great way to learn more about our business.
   
• How did you get in to Human Resources? 
  I studied Psychology at Strathclyde and really enjoyed it but I was keen to work in a business environment.  My first insight into what was then 'Personnel' was when I worked part time at Asda throughout uni on the deli! I also helped out in administration and got to see some of what HR involved. During the summers and university I helped out in an office and admin recruitment agency, and, after university, I moved to London and worked in IT recruitment. Two years later I moved back to Glasgow to work as an HR Administrator for the Millennium and Copthorne Hotel Group.  I loved the job and started studying for CIPD part time,  working my way up to manager. I also worked for a year in Supporta plc, which provides outsourced and managed services to the public sector.
   
• What made you decide to specialise in Legal HR? 
  I had been working in HR in the hospitality industry for some time and I wanted to gain experience in Professional Services and experience a different sector. It can be difficult to move from hospitality to Professional Services so I was delighted to be offered an interview with Harper Macleod - Martin was more interested in the skills set and type of person when recruiting for the role, rather than what sector they had previously worked in.  Not having had much experience or exposure to law firms, I wasn't sure what to expect and had a stereotypical view of what a law firm may be like but this completely changed even at interview stage - Harper Macleod operates like a commercial business rather than a traditional law firm.  Working within the legal sector is interesting, fast moving and always changing.
   
• What makes Harper Macleod the firm for you? 
  I really believe that  Harper Macleod is a great place to work and that makes a real difference when you are working in HR.  The firm places a lot of importance on being an employer of choice and are willing to invest in people. I like the culture of the firm and the people I work with, and I appreciate the support that the non-fee earning functions are given from the top down.  This support is led by the approach  of our Chief Executive - and my manager - Martin, whose responsibilities include the  Business Support/Executive functions.  It's a forward thinking firm and so there is a fast pace of change, which means what's involved in my role is constantly changing and no day is ever the same - the firm has changed dramatically even since I joined, but has retained the same culture.   
   
• Are there any differences between General HR and Legal HR? 
  The legal system and structure is complex and adds an extra dimension to the role, and the working environment; the structure, type of roles and people are different, however, the HR general responsibilities and challenges are similar.
   
• How easy was it to make the move between sectors? 
  I'd been at my previous firm for four years so everything felt different at first!  However, the principles were the same - in my previous role my focus was to provide support to the staff that were serving our hotel customers, providing the best quality and standard of service, and in Harper Macleod this was the same, but for the fee earners dealing with our clients.  The legal system and structure is very different to hospitality but I had a lot of help from those around me to get me up to speed. 
   
• What are the challenges of your role? 
  Staff retention and engagement have always been high priority in the firm, and it's challenging to maintain and improve upon this, particularly in the current climate.   We have a mix of people including those that have been with us for 10 years plus, to those that have been with us for 2 years and we need to engage with and motivate them all.  The firm is constantly changing, and this change has been at a faster pace over the past few years  - most people don't naturally like change so it's been very important that we are transparent and have effective communication throughout the firm.  In Harper Macleod, we are encouraged not just to do things a certain way because they've always been done that way, and that we should push ourselves and think outside the box - and this can be challenging but means you develop and learn.
   
• Any highlights? 
  In 2007 I was promoted to have 'Partner Equivalent Status' along with colleagues from Marketing, I.T and Operations - it is very unusual in law firms to be given this type of recognition, and it was a great achievement to get this recognition internally and externally.  Since 2008 our firm has won awards such as 'Employer of the Year ', 'People Management' and 'Healthy working Lives'. I am really proud to have been part of the team that was recognised for our people practices for each of these awards. 
  
  There have been many major achievements for the firm over the last five years and it's been really exciting to be a part of them, for example, our most recent is being announced as the Official Law Firm for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - this is really exciting for the firm, and will affect every employee and Partner and there is a real buzz about the office at the moment.
   
• Any regrets? 
  There are always things you look back on and feel you could have done better, or wish you'd done differently, but that's how you learn so its better think about what you would do next time rather than dwelling on the specific situation.
   
• Has it all worked out as you had hoped? 
  Yes - I was unsure at school, and still at university of what I wanted to do, and I know that my parents were really worried about it!  Everything has come together and I feel that I am in the right role, and the right firm. 
   
• Any tips for anyone looking to get into Legal HR? 
  It can be hard to get into legal HR from a totally different sector as some firms will not consider you - the right firm will look at your skills and experience if you can show what is transferable. Networking and attendinglocal CIPD events really helps as you come into contact with a wide variety of HR professionals with different backgrounds. Using a variety of different recruitment methods is advisable, keeping an eye on adverts but also seeing specialist HR recruiters who will know the market.

FRIENDS OF SEARCH

2011 saw Search establish a charity committee with the goal of raising funds for our chosen charities below. So far we have had an East v West football match (with the East proving victorious) a summer cocktail party, a cake bake and various search employees have been throwing themselves in to bungee jumps and wilderness walks around the country. September brings our guide dog tins challenge which will see staff running around the cities apprentice style!

CONTRIBUTORS