Glasgow-based firm Harper Macleod‘s senior partner has stepped down after six years in the role.

Ross Harper retired last week although he will continue working for the firm as a consultant.

He will be replaced by managing partner Lorne Crerar who will carry out both roles under the title of senior partner.

Harper, whose focus was on the management side of the business, is a high-profile lawyer who was involved in a number of controversial legal issues including part-time law degrees, televised court sessions and temporary judges.

Crerar says: “He was a diplomat for us and it’s important that we retain his image around the firm.”

The move follows the announcement that Harper Macleod has undertaken a major expansion, taking on 12 per cent of its staff in the past six months and increasing its office space by 50 per cent.

The firm, which has 18 partners, offers a broad corporate service with a focus on employment, sports and housing. Crerar says there are plans to develop the intellectual property and IT groups.