TLT launches operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland to build UK-wide presence

ELF member for England & Wales, TLT LLP has launched new operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland to give the capability to deliver seamless legal advice across all three UK legal jurisdictions - England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. TLT LLP, TLT Scotland Ltd and TLT NI LLP (a separate practice) all operate under the TLT brand and are together known as "TLT".

The merger is intended to strengthen client relationships, deliver enhanced service and value, and enable clients to achieve operational efficiencies.

To deliver services in Scotland, TLT has merged with well-respected Scottish law firm, Anderson Fyfe to create TLT Scotland Ltd. Anderson Fyfe is a €3.7million (£3million) turnover law firm with eight partners, employing 48 people and with offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Both Anderson Fyfe and TLT have a strong focus on the financial services sector and have in common a number of clients, all of whom have welcomed the plans. Over 40% of TLT's income is from its financial services clients, which include the major UK lenders and many international banks. Anderson Fyfe has a similar focus on financial services and is very successful in its primary niche area - financial services recoveries work - for which the firm is ranked in tier 1 within the Scottish market in the Legal 500 legal guide. 75% of Anderson Fyfe's practice is litigation, both volume and complex recoveries work, plus commercial, employment and other disputes. The balance of the practice is primarily in real estate.

On 1st July 2012, all Anderson Fyfe employees became a part of TLT. Anderson Fyfe's Managing Partner, Tom McEntegart, became TLT's Operational Managing Director for TLT in Scotland.

TLT NI LLP, a separate practice in Northern Ireland, will focus initially on delivering litigation services to a number of the firm's existing financial services clients. TLT NI LLP is based in the Scottish Provident Building on Donegall Square West, a landmark site opposite City Hall in Belfast. The Northern Ireland operations are being led by newly recruited partner Katharine Kimber, supported by a team of four locally recruited solicitors and paralegals.

TLT's Managing Partner David Pester says, "The strategic rationale for establishing operations in both Scotland and Northern Ireland has been driven by clients in the financial services sector seeking a seamless approach to the supply of litigation services for all jurisdictions in the UK. Combining the strengths and resources of Anderson Fyfe and TLT, and establishing operations in Northern Ireland, will extend our national presence, strengthen our relationships with many of our strategic clients, and help us win new business and grow market share. TLT has a clear strategy which positions us in the UK market as a national firm providing day-to-day legal support to UK and international businesses. We focus our time and investment on our chosen industry sectors and on our strategic clients."

Anderson Fyfe's Managing Partner, Tom McEntegart says, "This merger is a good strategic move by both firms to enhance our client service delivery, strengthen our relationships with clients, and to grow our market share. This is not growth for growth's sake, it is about achieving a level of scale whereby we can continue to compete successfully in the market. By combining our strengths and our resources, we strengthen our position in the legal market."

TLT will have a forecast turnover of €59.4million (£48million), 80 partners and approximately 750 employees. TLT will have a presence in Bristol, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and Piraeus.