LAW firm HBJ Gateley has said it is in a strong position after recording a near 20 per cent increase in operating profits in Scotland in the latest year, writes Mark Williamson.

The Limited Liability Partnership made £8.5 million operating profits in the year to April, up 19.9 per cent from around £7.1m in the preceding year.

The Scottish LLP increased turnover in Scotland by 9.5 per cent annually, to £17.7m.

Senior partner Malcolm McPherson, said the LLP had experienced strong growth in a legal market which still faces significant challenges.

He said growth had been driven by new business wins, strong partner hires and a focus on building relationships in key markets.

Asked if HBJ Gateley expects to increase revenue and profits in the current year, a spokesman for the firm said: "Our teams are extremely busy so we're in a good position for the current financial year."

The firm opened an office in Aberdeen in August. It already had offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The economic recovery in the UK has helped generate increased activity in the property and mergers and acquisitions markets, which are important sources of transaction-based income for law firms and accountants.

HBJ Gateley is part of an organisation that operates as Gateley in England, through an LLP which reports separately. Details of Gateley's performance were not disclosed.

HJJ Gateley has 46 partners, supported by 129 members of staff.

Gateley has 92 partners and 497 staff.