Maclay Murray & Spens has boosted its Aberdeen energy practice with the hire of Shepherd and Wedderburn partner Richard Cockburn.

Cockburn, who specialises in utilities regulation as well as commercial and competition law within the energy sector, has a particular focus on renewable energy and gas work. He is joining Maclays imminently, and his hire takes the number of partners in the Scottish firm's Aberdeen office to eight.

Cockburn, who previously headed the Aberdeen office of Shepherd and Wedderburn, is qualified to practice in both Scotland and England and Wales, and is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators.

Commenting on the appointment, Maclay Murray & Spens chief executive Magnus Swanson said: "This is a significant step forward for our energy practice, led by Uisdean Vass, and a testimony to the firm's ability to attract some of the best people in the industry.

"Richard, who joins as partner, has developed considerable specialist expertise across renewables, upstream and supply, decommissioning, carbon capture and regulatory issues and we are delighted he will be joining our team in Aberdeen."

Maclays elected a new chief executive in January, with real estate head Chris Smylie set to take over from Swanson on 1 June. Swanson will return to fee earning as a partner in the firm's corporate practice.