Fledgling Glasgow legal boutique hires former nuclear engineer to help generate growth
“Matheson Lawson is still a relatively young firm and there is real scope to build something here” – Frank McKnight
A former nuclear engineer who swapped power stations for private client law has joined a fledgling Glasgow legal firm as it enters the next phase of its expansion.
Frank McKnight has been appointed director and head of private client at boutique practice Matheson Lawson, strengthening the firm’s leadership team. His arrival will also allow the firm’s co-founder and director Maureen Matheson to spend more time focused on the strategic growth of the business while remaining heavily involved in private client work.
Launched in March 2025, Matheson Lawson has grown to a 13-strong team and expanded beyond its original private client and residential property base, including the launch of a commercial property department earlier this year.
McKnight, who joins the firm from Levy & McRae, said: “Matheson Lawson is still a relatively young firm and there is real scope to build something here and be involved in shaping it as it grows. Private client is right at the heart of the business and that was a big attraction for me.”
Before entering the legal profession, McKnight worked as a manufacturing engineer with IBM, designing manufacturing lines and helping to establish factories overseas. Following redundancy, he moved into the energy sector with British Energy and trained as a control room engineer at Hunterston nuclear power station.
At 34, he left engineering to undertake an accelerated law degree at the University of Strathclyde as a mature student. He went on to build his career predominantly in private client law, advising individuals and families on areas including wills, powers of attorney and executries.
Co-founder Matheson said: “Frank’s appointment is a significant one for us, both for our private client offering and for the wider development of Matheson Lawson. We’ve grown quickly, but we have always been determined that growth will be thoughtful and that every person we bring into the business strengthens the culture and level of service we want to provide.
“Having Frank leading the department also gives me greater scope to focus on the wider business, its strategy and where we go next, while continuing to work closely with our private clients.”
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