New managing partner to ‘build on success’ and engage with AI future
Law firm Burness Paull has appointed Mark Ellis as its managing partner, working alongside Peter Lawson who will continue as chair.
The firm said: “Ellis brings considerable management experience to the role having led Burness Paull’s market-leading corporate finance team for the last six years. He also previously sat as an elected member of the firm’s governance and strategy board.”
A corporate lawyer who specialises in private equity transactions and mergers and acquisitions, Ellis trained with legacy firm Burness before spending five years in London with City firms Hogan Lovells and Travers Smith. He returned to the firm as a partner in 2008.
Ellis will continue to build on the successful growth strategy led by Lawson – who has been re-elected for a third term as chair – and outgoing managing partner Tamar Tammes, which has seen both fee income and profit grow by more than 50% since 2018.
The firm’s headcount exceeds 700, including 90 partners, as the firm has invested in strengthening core practice areas and diversified into new ones – such as cyber security, life sciences, immigration, rural business, and family law.
Peter Lawson, chair at Burness Paull, said: “Mark has long been a leader within the firm, latterly as head of the corporate finance team which in recent years has cemented its preeminent position in the market. Like Tamar and I, he trained here and has a deep understanding of our independent culture and commitment to our people and clients.”
“The revolutionary potential of generative AI, market consolidation, greater competition from non-traditional players, and wider economic volatility mean it is a time of considerable change for the legal industry. We need to recognise the challenges but also be confident about the opportunities and inherent advantages we have as an independent, Scotland-based firm.”
Paying tribute to Tamar Tammes, who was featured in The Business magazine, early this year, he said: “The firm is enormously grateful to Tamar for her exceptional leadership, energy and commitment over the last six years. During her time as managing partner, the firm has not only delivered strong financial growth but also made huge strides as we seek to become an evermore inclusive employer and responsible business. We look forward to continuing to benefit from Tamar’s expertise and experience as she takes on the position of head of international growth.”
Mark Ellis said: “It’s an honour to be trusted by colleagues with the role of managing partner. I have spent the overwhelming majority of my career at Burness Paull and I care passionately about our firm, our people, and the quality of service we deliver for our clients.
“Independent law firms across the world continue to lead the market and my ambition is to ensure Burness Paull retains and enhances this standing. We have remarkable talent right across our firm and together we will continue to strengthen our offering and grow our business – building on our success to date.”
Tamar Tammes said: “When I took over as managing partner in 2018, I said that a key part of our growth strategy would be to empower a new generation of leaders within the firm. Mark is a shining example of this, and I am proud to be passing on the mantle of managing partner to someone of his character and calibre.”
Two further appointments will be a key part of the firm’s management. Lindsay Wallace, previously general counsel partner, becomes head of sustainability, while Jill Moore, becomes general counsel partner.