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Ledingham Chalmers LLP announces new partner appointment

LEADING Scottish regional law firm Ledingham Chalmers LLP has announced the appointment of new partner, Douglas Watson within the company’s private client team in Aberdeen.

A native of the city, Mr Watson joins from Adam Cochran, after more than 20 years with the firm. He specialises in all areas of private client work including succession planning and executries, trusts, powers of attorney and guardianship orders.

Mr Watson, 43, has significant experience advising high value clients across the private client and rural sectors, handling issues relating to inheritance tax, family trusts and property development option agreements.

A former pupil of Robert Gordon’s College and Aberdeen Grammar, he graduated from the University of Aberdeen and completed his traineeship in Edinburgh before returning to his home city in 1991.  The married father of two currently tutors in conveyancing in the Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Aberdeen.

David Laing, chairman of Ledingham Chalmers LLP, says: "This is an exciting appointment for us, which maintains the strength of our offering across the private client discipline.

“Douglas’ specialist skills and extensive knowledge in what is an increasingly complex field are key to delivering a consistently high level of service to clients.

“We recognise his ambition to develop his career within a larger organisation and we look forward to introducing him and his clients to our own team and range of services.”

Mr Watson, whose father was the late Melville Watson, of Storie Cruden & Simpson, says: “I am excited to have joined one of the most recognisable names in Scottish law. Ledingham Chalmers has built a strong image as a regional practice with a national reputation.

"I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to join what is a very talented team, and I look forward to developing strong relationships with our clients, and working to bring in new business as we target ongoing growth."

Mr Watson's arrival complements the recent promotion of Sarah Londragan, who advises on corporate law issues including acquisitions, disposals, start-ups and reconstructions, to associate level. The move further strengthens the corporate department following the announcement, in January, of Rod Hutchison’s move to partner from associate.