Changes ahead for McClure Naismith
23 Apr 07
Alan Thomson becomes senior partner as Kenneth Chrystie steps down after eight years
McClure Naismith's senior partner Dr Kenneth Chrystie is to stand down from his role on 1 May, although he will continue to act as a consultant for the firm.
Dr Chrystie has been a partner with McClure Naismith for more than 34 years, the last eight as a senior partner. Alan Thomson, currently head of the firm's employment law unit, will take over as senior partner.
For the next three years Dr Chrystie will continue to work actively on client business as a consultant. His role as head of the firm’s corporate unit will be assumed by his colleague George Frier, a specialist in corporate finance.
A leading commercial and IP specialist, Dr Chrystie became a partner with McClure Naismith in 1973, at which point the firm had seven partners and the largest single fee for that year was £10,000.
Dr Chrystie has acted for some of Scotland’s top companies, such as Whyte & Mackay, Dalziel, Murgitroyd and Linn Products. He was a founding director of the Intellectual Property Lawyers Organisation, based in London.
He said: “McClures has been a huge part of my life for almost 40 years – and I suspect that’s not going to change for a while. Apart from having a bit more time to myself I look forward to pursuing my other interests – although my clients will remain my priority.”
New senior partner Alan Thomson added: “My partners and I acknowledge Kenneth’s immense contribution to the firm throughout his career. He hands over the reins of a firm that is very different to the one he joined, in geographical spread, range of services, numbers of staff and its focus on technology. Our aim for the future is to build on this legacy and to increase the reach and depth of the business across the UK.”