Harper Macleod headcount exceeds 500
Law firm Harper Macleod has announced that its headcount has exceeded 500 for the first time, reaching a total of 501 people across Scotland.
The milestone marks more than a decade of sustained growth for the firm, which has increased by 54 per cent from 326 people in 2015.
The firm recently welcomed 17 new trainee solicitors who will be based across its Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Elgin offices, supporting clients and communities throughout Scotland. The latest intake takes the firm’s trainee numbers to 41.
The arrival of the new trainees follows the recent qualification of 13 solicitors who completed their traineeships with the firm. Harper Macleod achieved a trainee retention rate of 76 per cent from its most recent qualifying cohort, with newly qualified solicitors progressing into roles across 11 practice areas.
The firm operates a two-year, ‘fixed-seat’ traineeship model, allowing trainees to join their chosen practice area from day one and gain in-depth experience throughout their traineeship. Applications for traineeships starting in September 2027 are now open.
Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: “Reaching 501 people is a significant milestone for Harper Macleod and reflects the progress we have made over more than a decade.
“Growth has always been about more than numbers. It is about creating opportunities for people, investing in talent and building a business that can continue to deliver for our clients and communities.
“We are particularly proud of the opportunities we are able to provide to aspiring lawyers across Scotland. Welcoming a new intake of trainees while maintaining a strong trainee-retention rate demonstrates the strength of that commitment and the quality of careers that can be built at Harper Macleod.
He added: “Our fixed-seat traineeship model has been central to that approach, helping trainees develop specialist expertise from the outset. It is encouraging to see the wider profession increasingly recognising the benefits of this model.”
Harper Macleod has been shortlisted for the Investors in People Award for UK Employer of the Year (Gold 250+) at the 2026 Investors in People Awards. It has also been shortlisted in two categories at the Chambers UK Solicitor Awards 2026.
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