Scottish law firm Burness Paull said Peter Lawson will take over as chairman while Tamar Tammes will step into the role of managing partner with effect from August 1, 2018.

Lawson currently leads the firm’s corporate department while Tammes is head of the firm’s property and infrastructure department.

Lawson and Tammes will lead an ambitious three year growth plan, building on the firm’s success in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

The new leadership team will succeed current chairman Philip Rodney and managing partner Ian Wattie, who have served more than 12 years in their respective posts.

Burness Paull said Rodney will leave the firm “to pursue a number of personal projects” while Wattie will be retained “in a strategic consultancy role with the firm for the next 12 months to help finalise the delivery of a number of key projects.”

The handover follows a year-long shadowing process “designed to ensure a seamless transition with clarity of succession for both clients and staff.”

Lawson said: “Philip and Ian have led the firm through a transformational process and will leave their roles with the firm in great shape.

“It is an exciting time for the firm, which has a very clear growth strategy.

“Our absolute focus is on delivering success for our clients.

“We have an outstandingly talented team at Burness Paull and Tamar and I will look to empower a new generation of leaders within the firm as it enters the next chapter in its development.”

Tammes said: “It has been an exceptionally busy year so far.

“The firm has been named the top dealmaker in Scotland three years running and we have won awards in our IP, Tech and Employment practices in the past 12 months.

“Over 40% of our work is now international, and we have recently become the sole UK-headquartered member of Lex Mundi – the world’s leading network of independent law firms.

“That puts us in a unique position to ensure our clients get the best possible advice and support for their businesses, both in the UK and internationally.

“Peter and I are incredibly fired up about leading the team and embracing advances in technology and working practices to deliver further success.”

Burness Paull said it posted a record-breaking performance in the latest corporate deals table advising on 296 transactions with a total value of £42.8 billion.