Our Expertise

A number of our teams have been recognised by the two leading client guides, Chambers & Partners and Legal500:-

 

A client comments that the team is "practical, pragmatic and solutions-focused."

Notable practitioner Ken Long has a strong corporate practice operating primarily in the technology sector. He works with both start-ups and larger businesses on a wide range of transaction types.
"Ken consistently delivers for our business. He is prepared to offer advice that we don't always want to hear but which is necessary and commercially astute."

 

‘Graham Murray is secure, steady, careful, and reassuring. He had one major piece of advice that simplified enormously our financial planning and management.’

‘WJM have had a very strong private client team for a number of years, the way the team works together has always been a strong point with a diverse team specialising in families and family businesses in particular. They are adept at assisting multi-generational families with succession planning.’

‘Ian Macdonald has spent years trying to demystify legal jargon for his clients, helping them to fully understand what they are stepping into, whether it is trusts, wills or succession planning. Graham Murray has developed an excellence in the financial sector which he uses to provide an all-round service to his clients.’

Projects, Energy and Natural Resources 
Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has noted expertise in undertaking development work for independent developers of onshore wind projects in Scotland. Planning is a key pillar of the practice, as are property matters, such as those relating to infrastructure sharing and ICP grid connections. Other areas of focus include agricultural, rural and crofting law. Andy McFarlane leads the practice.
‘Responsive and commercial, with good collaboration between different departments.’
‘Andrew McFarlane is responsive and commercial.’
‘A very strong team which includes property, planning, litigation and corporate lawyers.’

 

Clients praise the firm's "strong legal knowledge and experience."
Notable practitioners include Angus MacLeod and Martin O'Neill. 

Angus MacLeod routinely advises on contractual matters for high-profile clients in the finance, telecommunications, and food and drink industries, among others. He primarily assists with the termination, renewal and redrafting of franchise agreements, as well as franchise-related disputes.
Martin O'Neill is noted for his adept representation of franchisors and franchisees in a range of commercial matters, including licence renewals and franchise expansions. He advises on franchises across a range of industries, particularly leisure, retail and food. "He has good legal knowledge and pays attention to the details."

 

"They are my first port of call on any planning queries as a sounding board."
Notable practitioner Fraser Gillies enjoys a healthy reputation in the renewable energy sector, with a key focus being the onshore wind sector. He is well versed in planning appeals and inquiries.
"Fraser has provided high-level strategic planning advice on a number of issues over the last year. The advice is always well considered and detailed to inform strategic business decisions."

 

Family Law
Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has a track record of conducting proceedings in both the Court of Session and the Sheriff Court, spanning child issues, cohabitation claims, divorce and separation agreements, as well as pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Practice head Tom Quail frequently handles complex financial provision issues, whereas Roger Mackenzie fuses matrimonial know-how with expertise in adoption-related matters.

‘Tom Quail is meticulous in his preparation of documents and sets out options clearly.’

 

 

We have been awarded STEP’s Gold Employer Partner accreditation in recognition of our technical expertise and dedication to providing learning and development opportunities for our private client and family business teams.

 

STEP is the worldwide professional association for lawyers, accountants and other trust and estate specialists who have completed additional STEP qualifications to become trusted expert advisers to families on matters such as wealth planning, family business issues, wills and executries.

 

We are one of just 20 employers throughout the UK, and one of only 3 based in Scotland, to be involved in the pilot of the STEP Employer Partnership Programme, which was launched at the end of 2014.

Individuals within the firm have been recognised by the Law Society of Scotland for their long-standing expertise in their specialised areas of practice, including:-