Four new Partners among raft of promotions after record year at Digby Brown

Digby Brown Solicitors has confirmed four people are to be appointed Partner following a year of record-breaking growth.

Catherine Hammond earned her promotion following years of compassionate client care while securing landmark results for vulnerable abuse survivors with the firm’s Non-Accidental Team. 

Lee Murray from Network Ayr began his legal career as a trainee with Digby Brown in 2012 and has brought value to the firm while helping victims of complex and fatal road traffic collisions or workplace accidents. 

David McGowan, who previously worked in the firm’s Inverness office, moved to the Glasgow General Litigation team where he continued to excel in helping clients injured at work or on the road.

And Caitlyn Maccabe from Scotland’s top-ranked Industrial Disease team was recognised for her excellence in helping people affected by asbestos diseases – her legal expertise was further evidenced last month via the successful Court of Session judgment in John Reid v MCM & Pyramid.

The new appointments, in effect from 1 July 2026, follow another successive landmark year for Digby Brown.

In 2025/26 the personal injury firm recovered a record £215million in damages for clients and more than £60m in revenue. 

Welcoming the new Partners, Chief Executive Fraser Oliver said: “The latest appointments are a testament to the continued growth of our business and the development of our people. 

“Catherine, Lee, David and Caitlyn have shown a consistency in their results, mindset and leadership that mean each appointment is wholly deserved. 

“Digby Brown continues to be the leading personal injury team in Scotland – not just as a business or top-ranked legal service but also as an employer with our four-time reaccreditation for Platinum Investors In People and the Sunday Times Best Places to Work award. 

“My thanks and congratulations go to everyone in the firm, both business and legal teams, which help make Digby Brown what it is and by investing in our people we know we will continue to achieve great things in the year ahead.”

In addition to four new Partners the firm confirmed 10 other legal promotions across the country.

Those promoted to Senior Associate include: Louise McCulloch (Network Glasgow); Jordan McCarter (Industrial Disease); and Paul Thomson (General Litigation Aberdeen).

James Stephen (Network Glasgow) was also promoted to Associate while four others earned Senior Solicitor status: Alasdair Dunlop (General Litigation Dundee); Ryan Connelly (Network Glasgow); Annie Hwang (Foreign & Travel); and Declan Grimason (General Litigation Dundee).

Amy Grant and Gareth McFarlane, both in Network Ayr, were each promoted to Associate Paralegal. 

Digby Brown now has a complement of 362 people with 228 legal staff and 134 in business roles.