Simpson & Marwick clout pulls in leading residential property specialist

Residential property specialist Simpson & Marwick is already benefitting from joining ambitious legal sector newcomer Aberdeins by signing up one of Scotland’s foremost real estate lawyers.

Jill Andrew has switched from top UK law firm Shoosmiths to take up a prime position at the Edinburgh and East Lothian firm which is boosting its property team due to dynamic growth in its residential portfolio.

Aberdeins set out its stall in September when founder Rob Aberdein promised to invest in leading technologies, innovation and pin-sharp customer service in introducing a premium professional services firm to the market.

Changing the way legal and property services are delivered to private clients, SMEs, family businesses and lenders is at the core of Aberdeins’ ethos and the firm is geared up for rapid expansion by creating and acquiring businesses in legal services, estate agency, accountancy and financial services.

Last month Edinburgh property sector heavyweights Simpson & Marwick’s 26-strong team of lawyers and estate agents joined the Aberdeins group in an amicable demerger from Clyde & Co.

Simpson & Marwick have now appointed Jill Andrew from Shoosmiths Private Client Team as a Director. Jill is at the forefront of residential property policy and procedure, sits on the Edinburgh Conveyancers Forum committee, and has represented high net-worth individuals, residential and commercial property clients and property developers.

Simpson & Marwick’s Managing Partner, Rob Aberdein, said: “Jill’s appointment shows we are not standing about on ceremony when it comes to our pledge to build an exciting, innovative and dynamic professional services offering.

“Her experience and connections at all levels of the Scottish property market will propel Simpson & Marwick to a new level and sets out a marker for other high-performing lawyers who may be considering where they can put their expertise to best use.

Simpson & Marwick Chairman, Richard Loudon, said: “The Simpson & Marwick brand and reputation is hard-wired into the Edinburgh and East Lothian residential property sectors and by adding specialists of Jill’s calibre to our brilliant team, we are sending out a message to clients and to our peers that we intend to remain the capital’s go-to legal services and estate agency firm for generations to come.

“As well as the multiple benefits of signing a property expert at the top of her game, we needed extra resource in response to a spike in demand for our services, and we will be looking to make further additions to the 275 years of experience which runs through the Simpson & Marwick team.”

Jill Andrew added: “Aberdeins’ entrepreneurial spirit and energy adds an exciting new dimension to the Simpson & Marwick name which is synonymous with quality and professionalism, and this was a major factor in my decision to join the firm.

“I am excited about being part of a team which promises to be a breath of fresh air coursing through Scotland’s professional services sector and to playing a prominent role in the ongoing expansion of the firm.”

Shoosmiths Head of Office in Scotland, Janette Speed, added: “As a leading and progressive UK-wide law firm, we continually review our business strategy. Consequently, we recently made the decision to redouble Shoosmiths’ focus and resources to further leverage positive gains for our clients across the commercial, corporate and real estate sectors in Scotland.

“This in turn has presented an opportunity for Jill Andrew to move to the team at Simpson & Marwick. I am pleased that we have been able to conclude this transfer to the satisfaction of all parties and wish Jill and her new colleagues all the very best.”

Simpson & Marwick expect to announce further lateral hires as it moves to new office accommodation in Edinburgh’s West End, while its East Lothian team continues business from its existing premises at 88 High Street, North Berwick.