Freeths Scotland strengthens legal arsenal with new dispute resolution practice and strategic hire

National law firm Freeths has made a significant move to bolster its legal capabilities in Scotland by launching a dedicated commercial dispute resolution team. The strategic addition to the team comes in the form of Director Alan McDonald, who brings over 12 years of expertise from his previous role at CMS. McDonald's appointment aims to complement Freeths' already robust team across the UK.

Based in the firm's Glasgow office, Alan McDonald will head the newly established litigation service. His extensive experience encompasses advising on contentious matters in energy, real estate, commercial, and telecoms, among other areas. McDonald has handled cases at various levels within the Scottish Court system, including appearances before the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

The move to appoint Alan McDonald is part of Freeths' broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in Scotland. He will collaborate closely with Partner and National Head of Dispute Resolution James Hartley to drive the growth of Freeths' practice in the country.

This strategic hire closely follows Freeths' recent expansion efforts, including the launch of a dispute resolution service in Bristol, marked by the appointment of Managing Associate Kelly Whittaker.

National Head of Dispute Resolution James Hartley expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "This year, we have a real focus on expanding our practice throughout the regions, and it's great to add such well-respected talent to our market-leading team. I'm looking forward to working with Alan to grow our practice further across the UK."

Nick Taylor, Managing Partner of Freeths Scotland, highlighted the rapid growth of the Scotland team, expanding from two members to six within months of its launch. McDonald's values, ethics, and experience align with Freeths' growth strategy in Glasgow, making his appointment timely and exciting for the office.

Alan McDonald, commenting on his new role, expressed delight at joining Freeths during this dynamic phase for the firm. He looks forward to collaborating with colleagues in Glasgow and across the organisation to promote and expand Freeths' offerings in Scotland. McDonald's arrival adds a wealth of experience to Freeths' arsenal as they continue to strengthen their position in the legal landscape.