Skerrett hands over to Laing at MMS

Online, April 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - UK-wide law firm Maclay Murray & Spens (MMS) has announced banking partner Robert J Laing is to take the reins as chairman, succeeding Philip Skerrett, whose three-year term comes to an end on 1 June. Laing, whose 27-year career at the firm has seen him advise many prominent national and international clients, across the London and Scottish offices, is a well known and highly respected figure in both the legal and financial services industries.

Skerrett joined MMS in 2004, as part of its merger with boutique financial services practice, the City Law Partnership, in which he was a senior partner, before being named chairman in 2007. He will remain with the firm as a consultant after his chairmanship has ended.

Laing said: "Philip Skerrett has done an outstanding job as chairman, through one of the most turbulent legal markets any of us can remember. Thanks in no small part to his efforts, the firm is now in a strong position to capitalise on any recovery in the broader economy. As chairman, my first priority will be to support chief executive Magnus Swanson, in ensuring the firm plays to its inherent market strengths and seizes opportunities for sustainable growth."

Magnus Swanson, chief executive of MMS, concluded: "The legal landscape continues to be extremely dynamic, with several significant changes on the horizon. In this context, Robert's election was a very natural decision for the partnership and the entire firm stands behind his chairmanship. As well as being an outstanding lawyer, his broader strategic counsel will prove invaluable for the future."

MMS is one the largest of the Scottish-headquartered, full service, commercial legal firms with offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

ENDS

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