Burness Paull has recruited Philip Mackay, the financial services specialist who spent 32 years at Dundas & Wilson before resigning in April ahead of D & W's merger last month with CMS Cameron McKenna.

Burness chairman Philip Rodney said Mr Mackay was the leader in his field and currently advising companies on issues arising from the referendum. His arrival as consultant would boost Burness's aspiration to become the dominant financial services practice in Scotland. Balfour & Manson has announced five promotions, all of them women. They include partner status for litigation experts Ann Logan and Julie Clark-Spence.