Harper Macleod tops 500 people following decade of sustained growth

 Pictured; Harper Macleod’s new cohort of 17 trainee solicitors, who joined the firm in September 2026 

 Law firm Harper Macleod has exceeded 500 people for the first time, reaching a headcount of 501 across Scotland.

The milestone marks more than a decade of sustained growth for the firm, which has increased by 54% from 326 people in 2015.

The growth comes as Harper Macleod welcomes 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 population to 41 and reinforces its position as one of Scotland's largest recruiters of legal graduates.

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% from its most recent qualifying cohort, with newly qualified solicitors progressing into roles across 11 practice areas.

The firm was one of the first in Scotland to introduce 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. While practice-specific training contracts are increasingly attracting attention across the legal sector, the approach has formed part of Harper Macleod's talent development strategy for several years. Applications for traineeships starting in September 2027 will open on 12th October.

As part of its commitment to developing future legal talent, Harper Macleod now has trainees based across four offices and a broad range of legal disciplines, creating opportunities for aspiring lawyers to build careers in the communities where they live and work.

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.

"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's focus on developing and supporting its people has also received national recognition.

The firm has been shortlisted for the Investors in People Award for UK Employer of the Year (Gold 250+) at the 2026 Investors in People Awards. 

Harper Macleod has also been shortlisted in two categories at the Chambers UK Solicitor Awards 2026: Firm of the Year: Scotland and Administrative & Public Law Team of the Year. The firm is the only Scottish-headquartered practice shortlisted in a UK-wide category and the only Scottish-headquartered firm shortlisted in two categories this year.

In March, Harper Macleod was the first law firm to receive the Highland Employer Charter Gold accreditation, recognising the firm’s commitment to high-quality employment practices, people development and positive engagement across the Highlands.