Gilson Gray boosts Aberdeen offering with acquisition of established local firm

Gilson Gray, the full-service legal firm, has acquired The Law Practice in a move which will see the business expand its offering in Aberdeen.

Owner of The Law Practice, Lesley McKnight, and her team will join Gilson Gray at its Blenheim Place offices, bringing further private client, property and estate agency expertise. The acquisition will see a new estate agency department added to the firm’s offering in the city and surrounding areas, complementing its market-leading property services arm.

The Law Practice was established in 2005 and Lesley McKnight took over as principal solicitor in 2018. Lesley specialises in private client services and previously held roles with Ledingham Chalmers and Brodies.

Lesley and her all-female team are well-connected in the north east, and their portfolio of clients will now be able to access Gilson Gray’s full range of legal, financial management and property advice.

The takeover of The Law Practice follows a series of recent deals in Scotland and England which has seen Gilson Gray rapidly expand into new geographies and markets. The firm now has offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, East Lothian, Dundee, and Lincoln.

Glen Gilson, chair and managing partner of Gilson Gray, said: “The Law Practice is well known in Aberdeen and is a fitting addition to our operation. While many firms have chosen to reduce their footprint in the city, we are committed to servicing the business community and wider client base, with plans for further expansion to come.

“Since launching in 2014 Gilson Gray has built up a reputation for disruption in the legal market and has grown at record rates. We are one of the few independent Scottish firms of scale left in the market, bucking trends with continuous growth and acquisitions.

“We are looking for the very best in local talent to join us in Aberdeen to further supplement the excellent team we have built and would encourage any interested lawyer or indeed potential client to get in touch.”

Lesley McKnight added: “It is great to be joining a forward-thinking modern team like Gilson Gray with a culture that supports both the next generation of clients and legal professionals. With access to a wider range of services and experts, we are growing our own professional family to continue looking after our clients and their families. I’m looking forward to this new chapter.”