Scottish legal firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has appointed Liam Entwistle as its new Chairman.

He has worked with the leading Scottish firm for 19 years and has previously served as Chief Executive.

Entwistle – a skilled commercial fixer with considerable expertise in workplace mediation, conflict resolution, negotiation, arbitration and adjudication – said he was proud to take up the role.

He said: “It is a huge privilege and with it comes the responsibility for upholding our brand values. We value our people, we’re client service driven and we are immensely proud of our service excellence and the trusted relationships we have built across a broad range of sectors.

“This year has brought unique challenges but as we move out of lockdown, areas such as employment, the law of contract and private client work are increasingly in demand, and our focus now remains firmly on guiding our clients as they implement their recovery strategies.”

Entwistle is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, is an accredited mediator and holds a number of non executive director posts.

He succeeds Colin Brass who has served as Chairman of the firm for the past 15 years.

WJM also announced the promotion of Esme Macfarlane to Senior Associate. A key member of the firm’s renewables team, she assists clients with the property aspects of renewable energy projects.

Managing Partner Fraser Gillies said: “Since joining us in 2016 Esme has become a key member of the renewables team. We have been extremely impressed with the way she has developed her technical skills and relationships with some of our biggest clients and we are delighted to be able to recognise her contribution with this promotion.”

For further information on Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, go to www.wjm.co.uk.