91Èȱ¬

The Scottish legal sector is to undergo further consolidation after two major commercial law firms became the latest to announce a merger.

Burness and Paull and Williamsons, which have offices across Scotland, are to join forces in December.

The combined company will have 400 staff and an estimated turnover of more than £37m, making it one of the largest law firms in Scotland.

It follows a series of other legal mergers in Scotland this year.

Edinburgh-based Archibald Campbell and Harley announced in June it would merge with English legal firm Shoosmiths.

In February, McGrigors said it would merge with London-based international firm Pinsent Masons, while Fyfe Ireland also announced a tie-up with Tods Murray.

The new firm of Burness Paull and Williamsons will have 60 partners and 158 lawyers, with established offices of similar size in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Burness chairman Philip Rodney said: "Paull and Williamsons has long been a dominant force in the north-east market.

"Burness is one of the most highly regarded commercial law firms in the central belt.

"Together we can field deeply resourced teams to service all sectors of the Scottish economy."

He added: "Unlike many of our rivals, both firms have elected not to open a London office.

"We have instead concentrated on our markets, and succeeded in building a large base of international clients from Scotland."

Burness Paull and Williamsons will see Philip Rodney take up the role of chairman, with Ian Wattie named as managing partner.