The Law Society of Scotland, the professional body of Scottish solicitors, has announced that it will be moving to Atria Edinburgh later this year.
The move to Atria One on Morrison Street involves the complete sale of the Law Society’s current buildings on Drumsheugh Gardens. The new office premises will offer more modern and environmentally-friendly surroundings for staff and visitors.
The Law Society, which employs over 120 staff and works with over 400 volunteers, will occupy suites 1 and 4 on the second floor of Atria One, covering approximately 19,000 sq ft. The organisation has signed a 15 year lease and plan to be operational in Atria by late 2015, following a period of fitting out.
Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Our office move will help us to be relevant and effective in supporting our members, stakeholders and the public in the years ahead.
“After 47 years, the Law Society offices at Drumsheugh Gardens are increasingly unfit for purpose and expensive to maintain. That is why we have been reviewing our long term office location over the last year. Following that review, it is clear that moving to a new office represents the best decision.
“The legal market is changing and changing fast. Just as Scottish solicitors are changing the way they work, so too must their professional body. The new offices in Atria will provide better facilities for members who rely on our services and the hundreds of people who volunteer their time in delivering our regulatory and representative work.”
Atria Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council’s landmark Grade A office development, is already home to tenants such as PwC, Brewin Dolphin, Aon and Green Investment Bank, and is one of the most sustainable and energy efficient properties in Edinburgh.
Councillor Frank Ross, convener of the Economy Committee, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome the Law Society to Atria Edinburgh. It is a prestigious organisation and I’m confident Atria will provide a fitting home whilst allowing it to operate more efficiently and significantly reduce property overheads.
“Both Atria One and Atria Two are getting close to full occupation. This is further endorsement of the Council’s decision to build such a fantastic development in order to create much needed Grade A office space in the city.”
The Law Society’s current buildings on Drumsheugh Gardens have been sold to a developer.
Davidson Chalmers acted on behalf of the Law Society and JLL provided property advice throughout the project. Montagu Evans represented the City of Edinburgh Council.
Space in both Atria One and Two remains available and is being marketed by joint letting agents JLL and Montagu Evans.
