One of Scotland’s leading legal firms has been appointed on all six legal services lots by the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC).

APUC works with all of Scotland’s education institutions on procurement activity to ensure value for money and a high quality service for education establishments in Scotland.

This is the second time Thorntons has secured a place on the APUC panel in all available lots.

The education law team at Thorntons which operates out of the firm’s offices in Dundee, Edinburgh and St Andrews came first in three of the six legal services lots and second place in the remaining three. It’s now only one of two firms to have secured a place on all six legal services panels.

The six legal service lots are Commercial Business, Property and Estates, People and HR Matters, Charity, International and finally One-stop-shop.

Lesley Larg, partner and head of the education law team at Thorntons, said: “We have enjoyed successful, mutually beneficial relationships within the education sector for many years. Indeed, Scotland’s universities, colleges and schools have been turning to us for legal guidance for over four decades.

“However, in order to stay one step ahead, we continue to invest in our specialist multi-disciplinary education team, allowing us to deliver relevant and cogent advice that considers the structural and financial constraints on institutions as well as the many potential opportunities that exist.

“To be appointed on all six legal services lots by APUC vindicates that approach. It is an incredible achievement and reaffirms our commitment to the sector while highlighting the trusted expertise of our team.

“The benefits of these appointments are twofold, allowing Thorntons to continue to deliver an excellent service to our existing education clients, but also giving the firm the opportunity to work with other institutions in areas where we have a proven track record.”

Thorntons, who were recently named Law Firm of the Year (Over 40 Fee Earners) at the Law Awards of Scotland, acts for more than 60% of universities in Scotland including University of St Andrews, Glasgow School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Stirling, University of Abertay and the University of Dundee.

Colin Graham Employer Awards 2017Leading law firm Thorntons was crowned Best Large Employer for a second year running last night at Scotland’s Best Employer Awards 2017.

The firm, which employs more than 420 employees across its 10 offices, collected the accolade at the Awards Ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 12 October. Thorntons was also shortlisted for the Youth Investment Award which recognises businesses that demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, engaging and developing young people.

Colin Graham, Chairman at Thorntons, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this title and recognised at the ceremony for a second consecutive year.

“Investing in training and development of our people is crucial to the future of our business, as well as the legal profession as a whole, and we are proud of the services we offer to our growing teams.

“Developing our own highly-skilled people is very much part of our growth strategy and will improve our overall client experience. Training new recruits also helps upskill our existing team because none of us ever stop learning, regardless of our level.”

The Business Insider Best Employer Awards aim to recognise and reward companies who put employees at the heart of their business, promoting development and health and wellbeing to strive in their industry.

Thorntons was awarded two titles at last year’s ceremony – Large Scottish Employer of the Year and Best Scottish Employer of the Year at Scotland’s Best Employer Awards 2016.

Thorntons Charity Head Shave- beforeTen colleagues at leading law firm Thorntons bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved in the name of charity and have raised £8000 so far for Cancer Research.

Lynne Steel, department supervisor in personal injury at Thorntons, rallied her fellow colleagues to take part in the challenge on Friday 4 August 2017 in aid of Cancer Research. The firm also held a bake off and dress down day over the weekend to raise additional funds for Cancer Research.

The nine co-workers, based in Dundee, who joined Lynne were John O’Neill, Stephen Brand, Vincent Chung, Stephen O’Hare, Colin Whyte, Ewan Ramsay, Heather McKenzie, Lee Corr and joint managing partner Craig Nicol.

Thorntons partner Stephen Brand not only volunteered to have his head shaved also took the razor to his beard – for the first time in 45 years.
Lynne said: “I’m so proud of my colleagues for joining me in this challenge and I hope they’ll all wear their new looks with pride- especially Stephen who also shaved his 45 year old beard. His children had never seen him clean-shaven.”

“We chose a bold fundraising attempt for those who have lost their lives and those who have survived cancer within in the firm, and I’m delighted with all the support we’ve received.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed that we’ve raised £8000 when we initially set a target of £1,500.”

Sarah Johnston, Local Fundraising Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.

“However, progress is only made possible thanks to people fundraising, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses. I’d like to congratulate the Thorntons team for braving the clippers all in the name of charity and for a fantastic total.”

Sponsorship pledges can still be made to Thorntons Cancer Research fundraising here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorntons-law-charity-head-shave.

Thorntons Charity Head Shave- after

Before photo: (Back L-R) Heather McKenzie, Ewan Ramsay, Leah Steel, Colin Whyte, Cara MacGregor, John O’Neill, Lee Corr, (Front L-R) Vincent Chung, Lynne Steel, Craig Nicol, Stephen Brand and Stephen O’Hare.

After photo: (Back L-R) Leah Steel from CM Hair, Heather McKenzie, Ewan Ramsay, Emre Sezen from A Class Barbers, Lee Corr, Colin Whyte and Cara MacGregor from CM Hair, (Front L-R) Craig Nicol, Vincent Chung, Lynne Steel, Stephen Brand, Stephen O’Hare.

Thorntons - Charity Head ShaveTen members of staff from leading law firm Thorntons have bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved in the name of charity.

Lynne Steel, department supervisor in personal injury at Thorntons, rallied her fellow colleagues to take part in the challenge on Friday 4 August 2017 in aid of Cancer Research.

The nine co-workers, based in Dundee, joining Lynne are John O’Neill, Stephen Brand, Vincent Chung, Stephen O’Hare, Colin Whyte, Ewan Ramsay, Heather McKenzie, Lee Corr and joint managing partner Craig Nicol.

Thorntons partner Stephen Brand has not only volunteered to have his head shaved but will also take the razor to his beard – for the first time in 45 years.

Lynne said: “I am so pleased that I’ve convinced nine colleagues to join me in this challenge. We are doing this for those who have lost their lives and those who have survived cancer within in the firm.

“We have set up a Just Giving page for donations and would be very grateful of any support as we aim to reach our target of £1,500.”

Thorntons will also host a bake off on Thursday 27 July and a dress down day on the Friday 4 August to raise additional funds for Cancer Research.

Sarah Johnston, Local Fundraising Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.

“However, progress is only made possible thanks to people fundraising, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses. I’d like to wish the Thorntons team all the best with their head shave and look forward to seeing the photos!”

Sponsorship pledges to Thorntons Cancer Research fundraising can be made here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorntons-law-charity-head-shave.

Thorntons - GDPRBusinesses and public sector organisations have been warned that they will have under a year to ensure they are compliant with new Europe-wide data protection laws.

As part of the European Commission’s attempts to make the continent fit for the digital age, data protection law is undergoing significant reform and on 25th May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation will become effective in the UK.

Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons joined forces with world class security experts Net Defence to offer advice and guidance from specialist experts at a recent seminar in Dundee. More than 90 businesses attended the two day event which aimed to ensure organisations don’t face heavy penalties for failing to comply with the legislation.

The recent event found that although 70% of attendees knew about GDPR, they have not yet started preparations in their business ahead of the new regulation.

Liam McMonagle, partner at Thorntons, chaired the event and associate Loretta Maxfield led the sessions.

Liam said: “From next May, GDPR will apply to all organisations that deal with personal data so it is essential that their processes are up to date.

“For organisations there is a level of security risk with information, but we aim to advise how these risks can be mitigated and provide a practical holistic view of what needs to be done to get GDPR ready.”

Organisations currently need to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, but failure to comply with the new regulations will see penalties to the greater of 4% of turnover or €20M levied.

David Horn, Net-Defence Director, said: “We are all ‘data subjects’ and we live in a world where key aspects of our lives will be ever more determined by the data held about us.

“We also live in a world where that same data is more at risk and open to compromise than ever. With exactly one year to go until GPDR, it is vital that you understand the data risks within your organisation.”

Pictured (L-R): David Horn – Net Defence, with Loretta Maxfield, Liam McMonagle and Gregor MacQuarrie from Thorntons

New Partners June 2017One of the largest full service law firms in Scotland has today (1 June 2017) announced the appointment of three new partners, expanding its senior team in Dundee and Edinburgh.

Two of the appointments at Thorntons are of existing associates, namely Chris Byrne and Jacqueline Henderson. The third appointment is Morna Coutts, who joins the firm after seven years at Morton Fraser.

Morna joins the Private Client team based in Thorntons’ Edinburgh office, enhancing the firm’s commitment to the capital and providing additional support to the existing team there. She boasts expertise in capital taxation and succession planning alongside wills and trust arrangements for high net worth individuals covering complex estate administration and powers of attorney.

Chris joined the firm when it amalgamated with Murray Donald in November 2014 after spending most of his career prior to that with a large commercial practice in Glasgow. He is an experienced corporate lawyer and, as part of the corporate team in Dundee, becomes partner after working closely with former chairman Jack Robertson.

The third appointment is residential property specialist Jacqueline, who joined the firm in January 2015 following roles at Fife Council and Pagan Osborne.

Scott Milne, joint managing partner at Thorntons, said: “I am delighted that our latest appointments include two internal promotions but also that we welcome Morna Coutts as a new recruit to the firm.

“Appointments like these are further evidence of our desire to invest in our people and our commitment to being a prosperous and sustainable firm.

“Congratulations to our three new partners, I have no doubt their appointments will enhance the firm and its continued aspirations to be the most respected full service law firm in Scotland.”

For more details on Thorntons and its services visit www.thorntons-law.co.uk.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Milne, Morna Coutts, Craig Nicol, Chris Byrne, Jacqueline Henderson.

Thorntons’ Employment Law team has announced the introduction of a new range of HR and Employment Law Support Packages designed to support the needs of SMEs.

Recognised for its employer-focused and practical advice, Thorntons’ Employment Law team has developed two packages that provide the right level of ongoing support employment law and HR support for a fixed monthly fee, bringing cost certainty to business’ legal and HR fees.

“Our Advice Line package gives an unlimited telephone advice line, where one of our specialist employment lawyers will be available to answer any employment related queries, 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday,” said Thorntons employment partner Noele McClelland.

“We will strive to get to know our clients’ businesses to ensure our commercial advice is tailored to their precise needs, making this a genuinely bespoke service.”

Clients will also be provided with a comprehensive set of HR documents drafted by specialist lawyers – which will be accessible through an online client portal allowing documents to be accessed at any time – and will also be able to access employment law updates and bulletins.

The price of the Advice Line package starts from only £83 plus VAT per month for a business with up to 10 employees.

“In addition to everything included in the Advice Line, our HR Plus package gives clients a fully customised service with documents tailored to suit their business needs,” added Noele.

“We will undertake an audit of policies and procedures – together with training seminars and regular on-site meetings– to ensure that each business is compliant with current employment law.”

The prices of the HR Plus package starts from £100 per month for a business with up to 10 employees. With HR Plus, Thorntons can also offer the added protection of employment practices and Health & Safety insurance to provide cover in the event that businesses do face an employment claim.

Noele said: “These packages offer businesses access to legal advice without the worry of escalating legal fees. However our clients also benefit from the fact that advice and correspondence between a solicitor and a client is protected by legal advice privilege, where the main purpose is to seek legal advice. This is not an option for other non-lawyers or internal communications on HR matters, and gives added protection to our clients in relation to sensitive employment matters thereby avoiding the risk that it could be disclosed if an employee makes a subject access request under the Data Protection Act 1998.”

If you wish to enquire further about any of the packages available, or to enquire about the One Month Free Trial, please contact Noele, Employment Partner on 0131 225 8705 or nmcclelland@thorntons-law.co.uk.