International law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Gillian Frew as Head of Office for its 215 strong Edinburgh operation following the retirement of Ewan Alexander after 35 years with the firm.

A specialist in the Structured & Project Finance team, Gillian joined Pinsent Masons in 2001 after graduating in law from the University of Edinburgh and following a successful spell on the firm’s student summer placement scheme.

She was appointed Partner in 2012 and has worked on a number of high profile UK and cross-border projects focusing on the renewable energy, oil & gas, infrastructure and social housing sectors.

Pinsent Masons’ Managing Partner, Laura Cameron, said: “Gillian’s expertise and commercial mindset is vital to our objectives of consolidating our leading position in the energy transition space and advising on major infrastructure projects.

“She is a fantastic ambassador for our business in Scotland, having stepped up to provide professional mentoring support for one of our recent Kirk Murdoch Scholarship scheme students, and she is the ideal appointment to this valuable position for our business.”

Gillian Frew added: “We’re all grateful to Ewan for his dedication, leadership and support over the last 12 years. I’m looking forward to taking on this new role for an office, firm and people I care about deeply. Pinsent Masons has a major presence in Edinburgh’s financial district and our focus will be to add value to the city’s business and civic life.

“Pinsent Masons has a strong collegiate and mentoring culture which should appeal to ambitious young lawyers looking to join a global professional services firm which represents some of Scotland and the UK’s most successful businesses.”