Harper Macleod

Harper Macleod is a full-service law firm that works for businesses, public bodies and private clients across Scotland. It has offices in Glasgow, where it is headquartered, Edinburgh, Inverness, Elgin, Thurso and Shetland. Its members’ report says serving the legal needs of clients in Scotland remains its strategic focus.

Martin Darroch is chief executive and a full voting member of the firm’s management committee. Lorne Crerar, whom the firm describes as its chairman and founder, was appointed one of His Majesty’s honorary counsel in September 2025. Harper Macleod LLP was incorporated in 2004.

Turnover up 19% in a year

The LLP’s accounts for the year to 31 March 2025, filed at Companies House in December 2025, show turnover of £43.5m, up from £36.5m, a rise of 19%. Profit before members’ remuneration rose 17% to £16.1m. The members’ report links the growth to investment in IT and software, marketing and new business functions, alongside the recruitment of a large number of new lawyers.

The average number of people employed, including members with contracts of employment, rose from 347 to 382: 208 lawyers and fee earners and 174 administrative and support staff. The firm had 79 members on average, up from 75.

Past 500 people

On 5 October 2026 the firm said its headcount had reached 501, up 54% from 326 people in 2015. In the same announcement it said 17 trainee solicitors had joined, taking its trainee population to 41, and that the 13 solicitors in its latest qualifying cohort had completed their traineships, with newly qualified solicitors moving into 11 practice areas. In June 2026 it promoted 35 lawyers across Scotland.

The firm is shortlisted in two categories at the Chambers UK Solicitor Awards 2026, Firm of the Year: Scotland and Administrative & Public Law Team of the Year, and for UK Employer of the Year (Gold 250+) at the 2026 Investors in People Awards. In March 2026 it became the first law firm to receive Highland Employer Charter Gold accreditation.

For businesses and lenders operating in Scotland, it offers a Scottish-headquartered firm with reach from the central belt to the Highlands and Islands. In June 2026 LHV Bank appointed Harper Macleod as its primary Scottish legal adviser.