Freeths expands Glasgow office to support growth

Freeths is preparing to move its Glasgow office to a new location at Aurora, 120 Bothwell Street, in February 2027. This shift comes on the heels of the firm reporting a remarkable 43% increase in office revenue over the past year, alongside an expansion of the team to 23 members, comprising 21 lawyers and two support staff. This office relocation represents the next significant step in Freeths’ commitment to growth in Scotland, a journey that began with the opening of the Glasgow office in July 2023, under the leadership of Partners Paul Ockrim and Nick Taylor.

The Scottish office has been diligently working to establish a comprehensive service offering, enhancing its capabilities in various legal sectors including Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, and Tax. A notable feature of this year’s growth has been the arrival of key new partners, such as Heather Gibson, Alastair Frood, and Richard Lockhart. The strategic move to Aurora is expected to facilitate better collaboration among the growing team and improve client interactions, ultimately supporting Freeths’ long-term ambitions in the Scottish market.

In addition to its planned expansion, Freeths garnered recognition recently in The Legal 500 UK 2027, with the Glasgow team achieving Tier 4 rankings for Insolvency and Corporate Recovery, as well as a mention as a Firm to Watch in the Commercial Property category. The firm also received commendations from Chambers UK 2027, with several team members earning high rankings in litigation and tax sectors.

A pivotal aspect of this expansion includes the collaboration of leading legal professionals such as Heather Gibson, Amy McVey, and Louise Mahon, who have prior experience working together in major international firms. The shared history and expertise in their respective fields—Tax, Banking, and Corporate Law—have drawn them to Freeths where they can unite their strengths. The recent addition of senior litigator Alastair Frood from Eversheds enhances Freeths' competitive position within the Scottish legal landscape.

Commenting on the upcoming office move, Paul Ockrim stated “We opened in Glasgow to build a serious, long-term presence in Scotland. The response from clients and the calibre of people joining us have reinforced that ambition. Aurora will give us the space to keep building. It is a long-term investment in our people, our clients and our place in the Scottish market.” His colleague Nick Taylor added that the firm's growth results from understanding client needs and assembling a team of high-quality talent, stating “We now have greater depth across several core areas, while keeping the close, collaborative approach that has shaped the office from the start.”

Karen Winterbottom, Head of Location, Facilities and Services, emphasised the need for a workspace that matches the evolving team dynamic, saying “Aurora gives colleagues more room to connect and provides a welcoming place for clients.” She underlined the flexibility the new space grants as the firm continues to grow and develop.

This expansion and the accompanying investment in infrastructure are part of Freeths’ strategy to enhance its national presence, which has recently been buoyed by reporting record revenues of £187.6m for the year ending 31 March 2026, reflecting a growth rate of over 12% alongside an 8.2% profit increase. Overall, Freeths welcomes exciting changes and growth that ensure its competitiveness and responsiveness in the legal sector.