ONE of the largest independent law firms in Scotland has invested seven figures in a new, central Glasgow hub as part of a post-Covid modernisation programme.
Morton Fraser has responded to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic by posting record results, paying its highest ever staff bonus pool and investing over £1 million in new premises designed for hybrid, collaborative working.
The firm reported revenues of £23.9m for the year to April 2022, a 16% increase on last year. It has also grown its net profit by over 40%. This has allowed it to deliver a staff bonus pool of over £600,000, which is 50% higher than the previous year and 30% higher than 2019/20. Morton Fraser pays bonuses to all staff, not just fee-earners.
Morton Fraser’s new hub in Glasgow aims to break old stereotypes associated with working at law firms, offering lots of collaborative co-working spaces, standing desks and informal booths. Morton Fraser’s people have no set boundaries for working in the office and are encouraged to balance their wellbeing with their work responsibilities in a way that allows them to be their best.
Chris Harte, Chief Executive of Morton Fraser LLP, said: “The pandemic reset everybody’s view of work-life balance. We have responded to that by investing heavily in a place that aids collaboration and mental wellbeing while still providing the facilities needed for the rigours of legal work. People should enjoy coming to the office and we have worked hard to make it a place people want to, rather than have to, be. This is a great example of putting our people first, ensuring they have the flexibility and resources they need to flourish.”
Key to Morton Fraser’s growth in the last twelve months has been a substantial increase in its transactional services. Both its corporate and real estate teams saw growth of over 30%. Morton Fraser’s renowned private client practice has also now grown by 50% since 2018.
Chris Harte added: “Most in the service sector will have experienced a post-Covid bounce back. What matters is how you respond to that improvement. For us, the main priority is our people, which is why we have modernised the way we work, so we can give people flexibility to make positive choices.”
Morton Fraser has also hired two Ukrainian lawyers through the Interlaw network, offering them both employment and training in Scotland.
Chris Harte said: “We take our social responsibilities very seriously and felt it was important to respond to the call for help when it came. I know many Scottish firms have tried to support Ukrainian lawyers. It is heartening to see the sector come together to offer some hope to those in desperate circumstances.”
