THE co-founder of law firm Aberdein Considine is standing down as its managing partner.

The 64-year-old Harvey Aberdein is handing over the day-to-day running of the firm but intends to remain as a consultant.

Mr Aberdein set up the business in 1981 as a two-person operation with Iain Considine. Its first premises were a converted butcher's shop in Aberdeen.

The pair had received a loan from Royal Bank of Scotland but also borrowed from family to launch the venture.

Mr Considine's family funds came from part of the signing-on fee from his football brother, Doug, who had recently been transferred from Aberdeen to Dunfermline Athletic by Alex Ferguson.

His son Andrew Considine plays for the present Aberdeen side.

Aberdein Considine employs more than 350 staff with several offices across Scotland including two on Union Street in its home city as well as others in places including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ellon, Inverurie, Peterhead, Perth, Bathgate and Livingston.

Turnover was around £19 million it its most recent full financial year.

Mr Considine continues to run the firm's operations in Banchory and Stonehaven.

Mr Aberdein said: "It has been an incredible journey, but I put our success down to one key factor - our values.

"We have never subscribed to the generally held view that it was a privilege to be in the presence of your lawyer.

"We saw it the other way. It's a privilege for us to act for our clients."

Mr Aberdein's role is being split between two long-serving lawyers with Jacqueline Law becoming managing partner and Bob Fraser taking over as senior partner.

Mr Aberdein said: "The firm needs the energy and expertise of my younger partners, in whom I have the utmost faith.

"I am certain Aberdein Considine will continue to thrive under the guidance of Bob and Jacqueline, who have both been here for decades."

There will also be a management committee made of property head Michael Sinclair, financial services leader Allan Gardner and litigation head Rob Aberdein.

Mr Fraser said: "We owe a huge debt to Harvey for his leadership and ability in taking us from a provincial firm to one of the largest in the country.

"He is passing over the management with the firm in fantastic health, and I will ensure the transition a smooth one."

Mrs Law, head of corporate and commercial, was a trainee with the firm in 1993 and is keen to see it continue to diversify outside estate agency services, which make up around one third of the business.

She said: "We have one of the most respected litigation practices in Scotland, acting for most major banks and financial institutions.

"We offer a full range of legal services and also have a leading financial services department, which deals with everything from personal finance up to corporate."

Separately, Tayside law firm Thorntons has formally completed its merger with Fife solicitor Murray Donald.

In September Thorntons merged with Cupar based Steel Eldridge Stewart.

The merged firm will still be known as Thorntons and have a presence across Angus, Dundee, Perthshire, Fife and Edinburgh.

There will be 41 partners and around 400 staff in total.

Jack Robertson, chairman, described the latest deal as an important milestone.