Harper Macleod Leads the Way in Scottish Business

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Credit: pexels.com, Diverse colleagues gathering in conference hall of law firm and discussing details of contract while working together

Harper Macleod is a Scottish law firm that has been leading the way in business for decades. They have a long history of providing top-notch legal services to clients across various industries.

The firm's expertise in corporate law is particularly notable, with a team of experienced lawyers who have advised on some of Scotland's most significant transactions. They have a deep understanding of the Scottish market and can provide tailored advice to businesses of all sizes.

Harper Macleod's commitment to innovation and technology is also evident in their approach to law. They have invested heavily in digital platforms and tools to streamline their services and improve client outcomes.

Business Highlights

Harper Macleod has recorded a significant increase in turnover, reaching £43.5 million for the year to 31 March 2025.

This is a nearly 20 per cent rise compared to the previous 12 months, with turnover sitting at £36.5 million.

Profit before remuneration also saw a notable increase, rising from £13.7 million to £16.1 million for 2024/25.

Reaches Record Turnover

A couple having a heated argument in a law office with their attorney observing.
Credit: pexels.com, A couple having a heated argument in a law office with their attorney observing.

Harper Macleod has reached a record turnover of £43.5 million for the year to 31 March 2025.

This is a significant increase of nearly 20 per cent compared to the previous 12 months, where the firm achieved a turnover of £36.5 million.

Profit before remuneration has also seen a rise, from £13.7 million to £16.1 million for 2024/25.

The firm's headcount across its five offices in Glasgow has likely played a role in this success.

Take a look at this: Fixed-asset Turnover

Work Highlights

We've been involved in some exciting projects recently, and I'm happy to share a few highlights with you. One of them is a £23 million project to rejuvenate Govan, which involves recovering a site from a group of Travelling Showpeople.

The site in question is owned by Glasgow City Council, and we've been advising them on the proceedings. It's a complex issue, but we're working hard to help the council achieve their goals.

Here are some key details about this project:

  • Client: Glasgow City Council
  • Project goal: Rejuvenate Govan with a £23 million project
  • Site involved: A site in Govan currently occupied by Travelling Showpeople

We're proud to be working with the council on this project, and we're confident that it will make a positive impact on the community.

Industry and Innovation

Credit: youtube.com, Harper Macleod LLP - A different kind of law firm

Harper Macleod is now part of the UK Space Agency Accelerator, a programme designed to support space entrepreneurs across the UK.

The programme's goal is to help businesses grow and strengthen the wider space sector.

Harper Macleod has been appointed as the new legal adviser for Shire Housing Association.

The appointment was made after a competitive tender process, which is a common practice in the industry for selecting a legal adviser.

Shire Housing Association has chosen Harper Macleod's public sector real estate and housing team to provide legal support.

This team will cover a range of areas as Shire Housing Association continues to grow its organization.

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UK Space Agency Accelerator

The UK Space Agency Accelerator is a great example of innovation in action. It's designed to support space entrepreneurs across the UK.

The programme helps them grow their businesses and strengthen the wider space sector. This is a vital initiative to drive growth and development in the industry.

Harper Macleod has recently joined the UK Space Agency Accelerator, becoming part of the next phase of the programme.

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News and Announcements

Credit: youtube.com, Harper Macleod expands into Shetland

Harper Macleod is proud to announce that it has been named one of Scotland's top 20 employers by the Sunday Times.

The firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognized, with 34% of its partners being women.

Harper Macleod has been named as a Times Top 100 Employer for the fifth year running.

The firm's innovative approach to employment law has helped to establish it as a leader in its field.

Harper Macleod's expertise in property law has been recognized with the firm being named a Top 10 Property Law Firm in Scotland.

Strengths

Their professionals have a tremendous cache of knowledge in all fields, making them a valuable resource.

Harper Macleod seems to have an expert in every imaginable field, and all are readily available, which is impressive.

The practice's breadth is a major strength, handling everything from local court disputes to multimillion-pound cases and groundbreaking appeals.

One side of the practice strengthens the other, creating a well-rounded team that can tackle a wide range of challenges.

Credit: youtube.com, Harper Macleod & Glasgow 2014 - the full story

Andrew Upton is a superb lawyer who does an excellent job for clients, demonstrating the high level of expertise within the practice.

Their lawyers are proven to be able to handle the very largest litigation, giving clients confidence in their abilities.

They kept the appropriate person completely aware of ongoing work and did not confirm or agree any action until obtaining appropriate authorisation, showing a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Odoo Clients

Scotland

Harper Macleod is a leading independent Scottish law firm with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Lerwick and Thurso.

Their team of dispute resolution solicitors is one of the largest in Scotland, with over half of their solicitors regularly involved in contentious work.

Harper Macleod has a breadth of litigation expertise that sets them apart, making them renowned for their range and quality of dispute resolution expertise.

Their team includes some of the country's most talented disputes practitioners, working out of their main offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

Broaden your view: Resolution Copper

Credit: youtube.com, Getting Scotland Moving - Harper Macleod LLP

They represent clients in every sector, including insurance, banking, real estate & construction, energy & natural resources, retail, sport and the public sector.

Harper Macleod has one of the most prominent teams in the Commercial Court in both the Court of Session and Sheriff Court.

Their team is experienced in fraud investigation and the recovery of assets as well as the protection and enforcement of IP rights.

In 2025, Harper Macleod was named the Scottish Firm of the Year at the inaugural Chambers UK Awards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Harper MacLeod do?

Harper MacLeod provides expert legal services to businesses, individuals, and families across all stages of life and business. From personal to professional, we offer a full range of solutions to help you achieve your goals.

What are the big 5 law firms in Scotland?

According to a 2019 survey, the top 5 largest law firms in Scotland by staff and partners are Brodies, Pinsent Masons, Burness Paull, Thorntons, and CMS. These firms are among the biggest in Scotland, with Brodies leading the pack with 552.5 staff and partners.

What is the history of Harper Macleod?

Harper Macleod was founded in 1988 by Lorne Crerar, who transformed a small business division of a Glasgow court firm into a separate commercial practice. This marked the beginning of a successful journey that has shaped the firm into what it is today.

What is the turnover of Harper Macleod?

Harper Macleod's turnover for the year to 31st March 2025 is £43.5m, a 20% increase from the previous year. This significant growth solidifies the firm's position as a leading player in the Scottish legal market.

Teri Little

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Teri Little is a seasoned writer with a passion for delivering insightful and engaging content to readers worldwide. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Teri has established herself as a trusted voice in the realm of financial markets news. Her articles have been featured in various publications, offering readers a unique perspective on market trends, economic analysis, and industry insights.

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