New hires prime Scottish law firm for continued growth

Independent law firm Anderson Strathern has reinforced its senior team with the appointment of one partner and a further three directors.

The hires strengthen Anderson Strathern’s dispute resolution, rural, and data & technology teams, while contributing sectoral expertise spanning health & safety, construction & engineering, agriculture and data protection.

• Michael Collinsjoins as a partner in the firm’s dispute resolution team, heading up the team’s contentious construction unit. Michael provides specialist advice and representation for clients in a wide variety of construction and engineering disputes, acting for contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers and consultants, as well as public bodies and insurers. Michael regularly advises clients in disputes over payment and delays, as well as complex and high value claims arising from workmanship and design defects. As a solicitor advocate, he represents clients in the Sherriff Court and the Court of Session, as well as at adjudication and mediation.
• Director Ellen Eunson specialises in rural land and business. She is an accredited expert in agricultural law and her work includes property sales and purchases, bank securities, succession planning, partnerships, agricultural leases, crofting, and renewables. Originally from the northeast of Scotland, she is now based in Orkney serving clients in the islands and in the north of the mainland. Ellen has a thorough understanding of the practicalities of farming and is the only accredited specialist in agricultural law in the northern isles.
• David Freelandis a director and information governance advisor, bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Information Commissioner’s Office. Working in the firm’s corporate data and technology team, he advises public, private, and voluntary sector clients on data protection law – including data subject rights, data protection by design and default, law enforcement processing, direct marketing, and international transfers.

• Julia McDonald joins as a director in Anderson Strathern’s dispute resolution team, bringing extensive expertise in defender personal injury litigation and representation at fatal accident inquiries in the Sheriff Court. Recognised as a rising star by the Legal 500 in personal injury defence in Scotland, Julia’s proficiency in advising insurers, employers, and public sector clients on complex employer liability, public liability and motor claims enhances the firm’s capabilities in navigating high-value litigation matters.

Fraser Geddes, chair at Anderson Strathern said: “These appointments exemplify Anderson Strathern’s strategic vision of expanding its expertise in line with the legal needs facing our clients, as well as ensuring the firm can continue its successful growth strategy.”