No sooner had LawFuel reported on the growth of one major scottish law firm when another – Semple Fraser – has placed 100 law jobs at risk over its three offices and called in administrators.
Reports indicate that semple Fraser has been seeking to merge, failing which it will be broken up. However managing partner Simon Etchells has said in a memo:
‘It is with great regret that, after having considered every possible option to secure the future of the business, it was clear that administration is the only option.’
News of the breakup has come hard for the lawyers and for firms in Scotland generally where there have already been setbacks. Staff are clearly worried and depressed about what is occurring at Semple Fraser, many of whom have communicated their concerns to the media about the manner in which Semple’s news has been handled.
The firm, which has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester, has 20 partners and around 100 staff.
