{"id":415402,"date":"2025-09-11T09:08:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/415402\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T09:08:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:08:11","slug":"gsb-to-take-on-shoosmiths-scottish-will-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/415402\/","title":{"rendered":"GSB to take on Shoosmiths’ Scottish will bank"},"content":{"rendered":"

An expanding legal firm has strengthened its private client base by acquiring the will bank of Shoosmiths in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n

In this deal between the two legal firms responsibility for around 1500 wills is transferred to Garden Stirling Burnet (GSB), from Shoosmiths LLP, a Top 30 UK law firm with turnover of more than \u00a3200 million.<\/p>\n

GSB, which has more than doubled the number of its staff since 2022, regards the acquisition as a key milestone in a wider strategy of growth across Edinburgh and the east of Scotland \u2013 and the transaction bolsters its private client division, taking its total will bank to approximately 10,000 documents.<\/p>\n

Tony O\u2019Malley, Managing Partner of GSB, said: \u201c\u201cThis is a really solid step for us. We\u2019ve been focused on growing in the right way \u2013 and being chosen by Shoosmiths to take on this work reflects the strength and stability we\u2019ve built across the business.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve invested heavily in the last couple of years, revamping our whole IT infrastructure including moving to a cloud-based system, replacing all our telephony and will shortly be moving our case management system to Denovo. This all gives us more flexibility, dynamism and the platform to grow further.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt fits well with our direction of travel, expanding our private client base and deepening our presence in Edinburgh, without losing the personal approach that\u2019s always been at the heart of what we do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d also love to hear from firms looking to exit the private client market or sell their will bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

The deal follows a strategic decision by Shoosmiths to exit private client services in the UK, including Scotland, and focus on its core commercial offering.<\/p>\n

GSB has created a dedicated transition unit to support the move, with a bespoke email address, [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>, for clients and named contacts to manage enquiries.<\/p>\n

Transition support is being led by GSB\u2019s Catriona Miller, a private client solicitor with more than 30 years\u2019 experience, and a former partner at Anderson Strathern. She will be supported by Head of Private Client, Kwan-Nga Yeung.<\/p>\n

Kwan-Nga Yeung said: \u201cOur first priority is ensuring a smooth transition for clients. Many may not have reviewed their wills in some time, so our experienced team will be on hand to guide them through any updates they may wish to make.\u201d<\/p>\n

Letters were issued by Shoosmiths to all affected clients in late August, informing them of the transfer and setting out the support available.<\/p>\n

The acquired wills \u2013 which primarily relate to individuals and families living in and around Edinburgh \u2013 allows GSB to deepen its offering in life planning services for clients \u2013 and builds on its expansion into new offices in the Scottish capital last year.<\/p>\n

Rachel Reid, Shoosmiths Chief Operating Officer, said: \u201cIt was crucial for us that our Scottish Wills clients transfer to a firm that will give them the same high-quality service and attention they expect and deserve. As Shoosmiths continues to pursue its sector-focused growth strategy it is natural that we transfer some of our legacy practices to more suitable firms. We are delighted that GSB have the calibre and technical expertise to support this service. We wish GSB every success.\u201d<\/p>\n

GSB is on target for doubling turnover in under three years, trebled its conveyancing output, and more than doubled the size of its estate agency team.<\/p>\n

The firm sees continued acquisition and partnership opportunities as a key pillar of future growth. Talks are ongoing around further strategic moves in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.<\/p>\n

\"\"Catriona Miller and Kwan nga Yeung<\/p>\n

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