New chair sets out ambition for Scots law firm amid industry’s “challenging time”

ANDERSON Strathern’s new chair has set out his ambition for the Scots law firm amid what he calls a “challenging time” for the industry.

Fraser Geddes claims the £28.5m firm is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of strong revenue and profit growth in difficult times for the industry and the economy.

From the beginning of April, Fraser will serve as the firm’s full-time chair, succeeding Bruce Farquhar in that post.

Anderson Strathern has “absolutely no desire to join up with any UK or international practises and will remain a fully independent Scottish law firm,” according to Fraser, who has been with the company for just over 12 years.

Fraser also hinted that the company – which will soon move its main office in Edinburgh to the city’s Exchange District’s Capital Square – is expected to announce more impressive results from its corporate investment business based on an especially prosperous 2022.

He also expects to meet each of the 51 partners personally and to attend each of the firm’s routine departmental meetings within his first 100 days.

According to Fraser, the legal profession has undergone significant change since he began his work.

He said: “It’s modernising, engaging with the very latest technology to better serve clients.

“We have moved from being consulted only when something needs verified or a statutory process completed.

“[We’ve moved] To a place where a lawyer must be infinitely more proactive in leading honest conversations about how best they can meet and hopefully exceed client expectations, on all fronts.”

Speaking on his new position, Fraser said: “I fully expect our exciting levels of ambition to propel us forward with purpose.

“The next step will be to create some clear blue water between us and our immediate competitors.”