McGrigors expands employment group

McGrigor Donald has poached Wright Johnston & MacKenzie's Stuart Neilson to become a partner in the firm's expanding employment unit.

Neilson, who is now based in McGrigor Donald's Glasgow office, specialises in all aspects of employment law. He has over 10 years experience in employment law, advising on dismissals, TUPE, reorganisation, change management and discrimination.

At Wright Johnston & MacKenzie, Neilson also dealt with civil litigation but says that he chose to specialise on employment law alone.

Jim Young, head of the employment unit at McGrigor Donald, says: "Stuart joins us at a time when the employment law team is particularly strong, evidenced by our turnover more than doubling over the past two years. With more legislation like the Human Rights Act in the pipeline there will be no let-up.

"Stuart is just the right person to make the most of the opportunities in the market and continue our expansion."

Neilson says: "When I was approached it was not an easy decision to make as I had a lot of loyalty to my old firm. But I just felt that this was an opportunity that I would not have if I remained there and it was an offer that I could not really refuse."

McGrigor Donald's emp- loyment unit has 10 lawyers based in its Glasgow, Edinburgh and London offices.

Wright Johnston & Mackenzie refused to comment.