Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has appointed Simone Young as partner and Stephanie Zak as commercial real estate consultant, bolstering its commercial real estate team in Edinburgh.

Simone, with over 25 years’ construction law experience, advises on procurement, contracts and development projects. 

She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK. Stephanie brings 17 years of combined practice and industry experience, including banking, covering acquisitions, disposals and funding.

She said: “I’m pleased to be joining a firm with such a strong reputation for client care and specialist advice. 

“Construction law can be complex and highly technical, but my role is about helping clients understand their risks, get the right protections in place and move forward with confidence.

“Thorntons is clearly committed to providing tailored, commercially minded legal solutions, and I look forward to helping build a construction service that reflects those values – one that’s collaborative, clear and focused on long-term partnerships.”

Stephanie brings 17 years of combined legal and industry experience, including in-house roles at leading financial institutions. 

She specialises in commercial real estate transactions such as acquisitions, disposals, lettings and funding, with strong insight into the commercial factors behind legal decisions.

Ewan Miller, head of business law at Thorntons, added: “Simone and Stephanie’s appointments are a key milestone in our continued growth. 

“By expanding our construction law and commercial real estate services, we are strengthening our ability to offer joined-up, sector-specific advice to clients involved in commercial property and development.

“At Thorntons, we pride ourselves on listening first, understanding what matters, and then delivering solutions that help clients move forward. 

“This is another important step in ensuring we have the right people and expertise in place to do just that.”

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