Semple Fraser (in administration)

After a strong 2010–11, Semple Fraser appeared to have a reversal of fortunes in 2011–12. The firm preferred not to provide turnover figures, while its partner headcount fell for the second successive year.

Property partners Craig McLeod and John Meehan left for South West firm Temple Bright and Scottish rival Harper McLeod respectively. In June 2012 the firm hired former Addleshaw Goddard construction specialist Neil Armstrong.

The firm now has 130 staff in total, including 90 fee-earners, 35 qualified lawyers and 21 partners.

The Lawyer has estimated Semple Fraser’s 2011–12 turnover at £10.5m, representing a drop of just under 15 per cent.

Clients remain predominantly Scottish, with some household names on the roster. The biggest transaction of the year saw Semple Fraser act on the February 2012 issue of a £450m commercial mortgage-backed security issue for longstanding client Tesco.