Glasgow-based MacRoberts has hired rated employment partner Stephen Miller from Harper Macleod.

He will be joining the firm, which already has one of the strongest employment departments in Scotland, next month.

Miller's appointment brings the number of employment partners at the firm – which has offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh – to five out of a total partnership of 32.

The firm is one of the largest in Scotland and, alongside Edinburgh-based Burness, is one of the firms most widely tipped to break into Scotland's 'big four', made up of McGrigor Donald, Dundas & Wilson, Maclay Murray & Spens and Shepherd & Wedderburn.

Although Miller will be part of the employment team he is also a sports lawyer and will maintain that practice.

MacRoberts does not have a dedicated sports law practice, but does have a number of sports clients including several Scottish football clubs.

"Clearly we are delighted that Stephen has agreed to join us," commented MacRoberts' managing partner John Macmillan.

The firm is currently challenging Maclays for the top slot among Scottish employment advisers.

Maclays merged with highly-rated Edinburgh employment boutique Mackay Simon last year.
At the end of 2001, Mackay Simon name partner Shona Simon left Maclays to take up a judicial post.