Highland law firm focusing on Caithness and Sutherland as part of growth strategy
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Inverness law firm Munro and Noble is working on plans to invest in Caithness and Sutherland.
Senior partner Mary Nimmo, who is from Helmsdale, said: “We’ve stretched our wings from being an Inverness-only firm, opening offices in Dingwall and Aviemore.
“Our drop-in clinic Thurso had to close down due to pandemic restrictions, but we’ve evolved a strong client base in Caithness and Sutherland.
“It’s now a key part of our forward strategy to invest more heavily in a presence in both counties.
“One side effect of the pandemic is that more people are getting the message that if they think they need a lawyer, they should act on that, rather than delaying. Coming to see us after the fact can often be a much more difficult scenario and that’s part of our Caithness and Sutherland plan.”
Ms Nimmo, who has been senior partner of the 128-year-old firm since April 2019, said: "It would have been easy to contract our business during 2021 in face of Covid-19.
“We chose, however, to do the opposite and invest very significantly in our future, adding 14 new jobs – so we now have a record number of over 60 employees.
“The aim was to strengthen departments with extra skill sets and expertise. As well as bringing in senior legal people, we’ve invested in professional training for trainees and junior solicitors.
“For instance, our wills, trusts and executry department, facing increasing demand and complexity of challenges, has enjoyed a major reinforcement.”
Ms Nimmo said the firm had successfully adapted to a hybrid form of home/office working, coupled with investment in online technology to offer virtual viewing of properties.
This enabled Munro and Noble to carry on with house sales during lockdown. Sales activity reached record levels in the last quarter of 2021.
“We’ve entered this year with clients all over Scotland thanks to our ability to hold virtual meetings with them, so distance is no longer a factor,” she explained. "The Highlands, however, will always be our core area.
“Our aim is to be friendly, approachable, affordable and helpful and this recipe is generating significant new levels of business."
Despite Covid-19, Munro and Noble has stepped up its giving to good causes – assisting Highland Hospice, Archie Highland (of which Ms Nimmo is chairperson), the British Heart Foundation, Save the Children and Treats for Troops as well as men’s cancer and mental health charities. A campaign for Mikeysline is planned shortly.
