Shepherd and Wedderburn raids McClures for corporate head

Frier joins as a partner in Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Glasgow office. his practice focuses on domestic, cross-border and international acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures, and he specialises in the food and drink and engineering sectors.

He is one of the first appointments to be made by new chief executive Stephen Gibb, who replaced Patrick Andrews at the start of the month (28 March 2012).

Gibb said: “It’s great news to attract someone of George’s calibre to the firm. He has a strong track record with a wealth of commercial experience and I’m confident he’ll bring additional strength to our team in Glasgow.

“His appointment signals our intent to grow the corporate practice as we continue our focus on our three key sectors: energy and natural resources, financial and real estate and infrastructure.

At the same time, Colin Robertson, Colin Archibald and Anna Feros have been promoted to the partnership at Shepherd and Wedderburn. Renewables lawyer Robertson is based in the Glasgow property and infrastructure division; Archibald is in the Edinburgh commercial dispute resolution team; and Feros focuses on IP and life sciences for the firm’s media and technology sector in London.

In addition, partner and competition lawyer Gordon Downie has been appointed head of energy and natural resources.

Gibb added: “These promotions will undoubtedly strengthen the firm and build business from our Edinburgh, Glasgow and London offices, as we move forward in developing new business opportunities.

“Gordon’s new role as head of energy and natural resources is also an important strategic development for us. He has a huge depth of experience within this sector which we aim to better utilise to help us further leverage new opportunities for the firm, both in the UK and overseas.”