Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and Irwin Mitchell Deal Completes Following Regulatory Approvals

The deal which will see Irwin Mitchell invest in Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie is now complete after securing regulatory approval.

This paves the way for the two businesses to work closer together as they seek growth across the UK and internationally.

The investment sees Irwin Mitchell Partners Bruce Macmillan, Craig Marshall, and Mark Higgins join the newly formed Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie Management Board as the two firms seek to share best practice and take advantage of opportunities to further grow their businesses.

The firms have complementary skills north of the border with Irwin Mitchell Scotland operating out of Glasgow predominantly in banking and finance and complex personal injury work, while Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie specialises in corporate, private client, property, and asset management.

Together, the law firms will now provide a full service offering across legal services and financial planning across more than 20 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales. They are also part of international law firm networks spanning 200 jurisdictions.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie will continue to operate under that brand in Scotland for the immediate future with Managing Partner Fraser Gillies heading up operations.

Mark Higgins, Managing Partner for Irwin Mitchell in Scotland, said: “Over recent weeks and months, teams and colleagues from Irwin Mitchell and Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie have been meeting and supporting each other with a focus on the future.

“Now that the deal is complete, we can accelerate our plans to grow our businesses and we’re looking forward to working together to maximise the opportunities both sides of the border for our clients.”

Fraser Gillies added: “Both law firms have a similar, collaborative culture, with clients at the heart of everything we do, and it’s been impressive to see the ideas and opportunities our colleagues have shared since the deal was announced back in September last year. We now begin the next chapter in our history, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

Both Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and Irwin Mitchell have been active in the M&A markets in the past year with WJM acquiring Macandrew & Jenkins WS Ltd in Inverness and Irwin Mitchell acquiring Silk Family Law in the Northeast of England.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie has recently welcomed a new Private Client Partner in Edinburgh and made a host of other appointments and promotions across the business in areas including energy and commercial property. Irwin Mitchell has also recruited a new Partner to its Commercial Disputes team and added an International Trade Consultant to provide greater strategic support for its international strategy.