Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, commonly known as WJM, is a prominent and long-established independent law firm based in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a history spanning over 170 years, WJM operates as a full-service legal practice, providing a comprehensive range of legal advice and solutions to both commercial entities and private individuals. The firm has a significant presence across Scotland with offices in major cities and towns, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dunblane, and Galashiels.
WJM positions itself as a client-focused firm, emphasizing building trusted relationships and delivering practical, solution-driven advice. The firm's services are broadly categorized into two main areas: services for businesses and services for individuals and families.
Services for Businesses
WJM provides a robust suite of legal services tailored to the needs of businesses, from startups and SMEs to large corporations and family-run enterprises.
Corporate & Commercial
The corporate team at WJM handles the entire lifecycle of a business. Key services include:
* Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Advising on the purchase and sale of companies and assets.
* Business Startups: Assisting with company formation, joint ventures, and initial structuring.
* Investment & Funding: Guiding clients through private equity investments, fundraising rounds, and angel investments.
* Shareholder & Partnership Agreements: Drafting and negotiating agreements that regulate relationships between business owners.
* Commercial Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements, such as supply, distribution, and agency contracts.
Commercial Property
WJM has a significant commercial property (real estate) practice that advises developers, investors, landlords, and tenants on:
* Purchase, sale, and leasing of commercial properties (office, retail, industrial).
* Property development projects.
* Real estate finance and securities.
Employment Law
The firm advises employers on the full spectrum of employment law, including:
* Drafting employment contracts and staff handbooks.
* Handling disciplinary and grievance procedures.
* Advising on redundancy processes and business restructuring.
* Representation in Employment Tribunal claims.
Conflict Resolution & Litigation
WJM's dispute resolution team assists businesses in resolving commercial disputes through:
* Litigation in Scottish courts.
* Arbitration and mediation.
* Advising on breach of contract, property disputes, insolvency litigation, and professional negligence claims.
Specialist Sectors
WJM has developed deep expertise in several key economic sectors:
* Renewable Energy: Advising landowners, developers, and funders on wind, hydro, and other renewable projects.
* Family Business: A dedicated team provides specialist advice that navigates the unique intersection of family and business interests, focusing on succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution.
* Healthcare: Providing legal services to healthcare professionals, including dentists and doctors, on practice setup, property, and regulatory matters.
* Construction: Advising on construction contracts and resolving building disputes.
Services for Individuals & Families
WJM maintains a strong Private Client practice, which has been recognized for its excellence. This department focuses on helping individuals and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and manage their personal affairs.
Private Client Services
This core practice area covers:
* Wills & Executries: Drafting wills to ensure clients' wishes are met and handling the administration of estates (probate) after a death.
* Powers of Attorney: Preparing and registering Powers of Attorney, which allow appointed individuals to make financial or welfare decisions if someone loses capacity.
* Trusts: Advising on the creation and administration of trusts for asset protection, tax planning, or protecting vulnerable beneficiaries.
* Estate & Inheritance Tax Planning: Providing strategic advice on how to structure assets to minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability for future generations.
* Personal Tax: Assisting with personal tax matters and self-assessment tax returns.
Family Law
Operating as WJM Family Law, this specialist team handles sensitive family matters with a focus on resolving disputes constructively, often through mediation and collaborative law. Their services include:
* Divorce & Separation: Advising on all legal and financial aspects of separation and divorce.
* Child Law: Handling disputes related to child residence (custody) and contact (access).
* Cohabitation Agreements: Drafting agreements for unmarried couples to protect their respective assets.
* Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements: Creating agreements to define financial arrangements before or during a marriage.
* Adoption: Guiding clients through the legal process of adoption.
Residential Property
The firm's property team also assists private individuals with:
* Buying and selling homes (conveyancing).
* Re-mortgaging.
* Letting and property rentals.
Please note: This information is generated by AI. For legal use, verify with company sources.
