Philip Skerrett , a partner in the London corporate team of Maclay Murray & Spens (MMS), has been elected the firm’s new Chairman, taking the reins from Michael Walker, who retires at the end of May.
Skerrett joined MMS in 2004 as part of its merger with boutique financial services practice, the City Law Partnership, in which he was a senior partner.
His election as Chairman reinforces the partners’ commitment to continued growth across the firm, as well as confirming the key role its thriving London office will play in this goal.
Michael Walker retires after 30 years at MMS, during which time he has been a key figure in the firm’s success. Notably, he is responsible for forging crucial international links through his involvement with Lex Mundi – the global network of 160 independent law firms, of which he will remain Chair Emeritus until October. Walker will retain a formal connection with the firm, as a consultant, through which MMS will continue to benefit from his vast experience.
Skerrett said: “I feel privileged, proud and excited to be taking over the role of Chairman of MMS, though it will be a daunting task to fill the shoes of Michael Walker. I am delighted the firm will continue to benefit from Michael\'s energy and presence, in his new role as a consultant to the firm. For my own part I look forward to supporting CEO Magnus Swanson and the management team as the firm moves forward, responding to and overcoming the many challenges to be found in what is an ever-more sophisticated and fast moving legal marketplace.\"
Walker said: “Having been with MMS for over 30 years, I am proud to have represented the firm both as Managing Partner and latterly as Chairman. The thrust of my consultancy work for the firm will be in the field of business development and I am very much looking forward to assisting with the cross-departmental development of the firm’s business, with a particular emphasis on my own areas of speciality: corporate and financial services.”
Skerrett’s election follows the announcement earlier this month that Maclays has acquired the corporate and property departments of Aberdeen-headquartered Iain Smith & Company, in a move which will double MMS’ presence in the North-East of Scotland.