The Edinburgh-based practice has shunned the contemporary gravitation towards the young and the innovative in favour of the tried-and-tested wisdom of some of the legal industry’s most experiences veterans. Rather than focusing only on identifying new talent, the firm’s recruitment strategy actively seeks out ‘experienced, skilled professionals’ who either feel the time has come to move on from their current firm or who feel that they are being ‘overlooked’ by current management. Managing partner Peter Boyd said: ‘I am passionate about developing the next generation of lawyers… however that is not to the detriment of older professionals.’

An emerging trend

Mr Boyd continued: ‘The research backs up the anecdotal evidence within the industry. Lawyers that are getting closer to retirement age are increasingly being left feeling undervalued and in some cases are effectively being forced out the door.’ Growing levels of consolidation between major firms and the ‘economies of scale’ that develop as a result are also exacerbating the phenomenon, he said. However, the situation provides an exciting opportunity for smaller players like Boyd Legal to capitalise on experience and clients previously reserved for only the most elite firms: ‘Experienced operators can often bring in major business and, of course, have the depth of knowledge to tackle any kind of appointment,’ said Mr Boyd.

Celebrating experience

Recently, the Edinburgh-based firm merged with fellow Scottish local Gibson & Spears, Dow & Son – a move that permitted the latter’s firm’s proprietor, Peter Aitken, to continue practicing in the newly merged firm. Mr Aitkin commented: ‘I’m happy [that] the width and breadth of my legal knowledge is not only realized but celebrated at Boyd Legal. The relationships I have made over the last 40 years are the lynchpin of our continued success.’