New chairman for Burness
Philip Rodney, the new chairman of Burness,says firm will remain independent
Burness LLP has appointed Philip Rodney as its new chairman, following John Rafferty's decision to step down after seven years at the helm.
Mr Rodney (51) breaks a tradition by becoming the first chairman who has not worked exclusively for Burness throughout his legal career. He was previously a partner with the Glasgow-based law firm, Alexander Stone, which merged with Burness in 1998.
Under Mr Raferty's chairmanship Burness has trebled its turnover compared with 1997 to £15m for the last financial year.
Mr Rafferty, who was recently appointed honorary consul general for Canada, will continue as an active partner in Burness, specialising in corporate finance and tax.
Mr Rodney said he wanted to see Burness continue to “play to its strengths”. He explained: “By any estimation we are one of Scotland’s bigger law firms but we have never aspired to be the biggest". The firm, he added, will continue to focus on what he described as its seven areas of excellence.
Mr Rodney said he recognised that the strong position held by Burness could raise speculation about merger or even takeover overtures but insisted that the partners were committed to continuing its independent existence.
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