The latest round of consolidation within the second tier of Scottish legal firms looks set to continue as speculation grew that Brodies and Bishops are set to merge in the near future.
As The Firm went to press nobody at Bishops, which is based in Glasgow, would confirm or deny that a marriage with Edinburgh-based Brodies was on the cards.
A statement issued by Bishops managing partner, Alasdair Fleming, who was named Managing Partner of the Year at last month’s Law Awards of Scotland, said: “All commercially driven and successful law firms such as Bishops and Brodies are the subject of speculation of this nature at any given time given the nature of the legal marketplace in Scotland, but we do not comment on speculation.”
A merger between the two firms would make strategic sense according to a number of senior legal sources. A deal would give Brodies a Glasgow presence and would also safeguard Bishop’s long term survival after what have been a challenging few years following its demerger.
An insider at one rival law firm said: “I can see the rationale behind Bishops and Brodies coming together. There are synergies between the two firms and I can imagine that their cultures are similar. Both would benefit from coming together as the marketplace continues to become ever more competitive.”
ï Meanwhile, further speculation on consolidation in the Scottish legal profession concerning a merger between MacRoberts and Paull & Williamson has been staunchly denied as “gossip without any foundation” by a spokesperson for MacRoberts.