Freeths strengthens its presence with strategic senior appointments

National law firm announces expansion into Scotland

Leading UK law firm Freeths, a network member of Baker Tilly International, has announced its expansion into Scotland with the appointment of partners Paul Ockrim and Nick Taylor. This milestone marks Freeths’ first venture beyond England, showcasing the firm’s commitment to growth.

Ockrim and Taylor, formerly of Addleshaw Goddard, will be instrumental in establishing Freeths’ presence in Scotland. They will be based at the firm’s new Glasgow office, which becomes the 13th addition to Freeths’ network of UK offices. The move follows Freeths’ recent announcement of another year of exceptional organic growth, with revenues increasing 15% year on year in 2023 to £129m.

National Managing Partner of Freeths Karl Jansen said: “As a firm, we have ambitious plans for further growth in the coming years. Scotland is an important part of the UK’s economy and therefore integral to our core strategy.

“There is real opportunity for us to build our business in Scotland, delivering an innovative and progressive service for clients in the country. Aligned with our culture and values, both Paul and Nick bring a skill set that will add more breadth and depth to our national offering.”

Ockrim specialises in all areas of commercial real estate and regularly advises developers, tenants, investors and funding institutions in retail, leisure, banking, investment and development deals. He acts for high-profile clients on deals right through from inception to conclusion.

Taylor has a focus on investment and development finance matters. Advising investors, developers and lenders, he has assisted clients on a wide variety of different real estate resource-based projects such as renewable energy developments. The firm has plans to establish a full-service offering in the country.

Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International, said: “Freeths’ remarkable ability to adapt and expand in accordance with client demand has been truly impressive. From a mere two partners in 2013, their London office has flourished into a formidable multidisciplinary team of 100 professionals. Similarly, their Bristol office has experienced exceptional growth, evolving from a two-person team to a robust 50-person force in just three years, resulting in a 51% increase in office revenues over the past year alone. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to witnessing the Glasgow office’s success and accomplishments.”