ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan operates in the legal services niche, combining solicitor work with estate agency services across Edinburgh. The firm resulted from merging two established Edinburgh practices—ELP Solicitors and Arbuthnott & McClanachan—both known for delivering expert legal advice with that personal touch clients appreciate when dealing with life's major transactions. They maintain two physical offices in the city, one at 98 Ferry Road in Leith and another at 89 Main Street in Davidsons Mains, covering both east and west sides of Edinburgh.

The service portfolio splits into several distinct areas that address different client needs. Their property work handles buying, selling, and remortgaging transactions, combining estate agency services with conveyancing legal work. This dual function means they can market your property then handle the legal transfer without handing off between separate companies. The employment law practice serves both employers and employees, tackling everything from contract reviews and settlement agreements to employment tribunal representation. Private client services cover wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and executry estates—basically the legal planning people need for family futures and end-of-life matters.

Beyond residential clients, they handle commercial work including commercial leases, dispute resolution, litigation, and debt recovery for business owners. That business-facing capability suggests they understand corporate dynamics beyond just individual consumer needs. Their client base encompasses individuals, families, businesses, and charities—a broad spread that requires adapting communication styles and service approaches depending on whether you're helping someone draft their first will or advising a company on employment contracts.

The property side deserves specific attention since it represents a major chunk of their practice. They're registered with ESPC (Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre), listed on Rightmove, and part of SSPC Scotland, which provides exposure across multiple property platforms. Their estate agency team handles property marketing, home reports, photography, viewings, and negotiations with potential buyers' agents. The conveyancing solicitors then manage the legal transfer process step-by-step, keeping clients informed throughout what can be a stressful timeline of surveys, searches, and settlement dates.

As a reviewer, I'd say their employment law service stands out as particularly developed. They handle settlement agreements for employees leaving positions, advise employers on contracts and disciplinary procedures, and represent clients at employment tribunals when disputes can't be resolved through negotiation. One client testimonial mentioned going through a stressful six-month period out of work while ELP handled their tribunal case, ultimately achieving a good result before the hearing. That kind of sustained support through lengthy disputes requires both legal knowledge and client management skills.

The fee structure includes online calculators for property transactions, letting people estimate costs for buying or selling before committing. This transparency around pricing helps clients budget properly rather than getting surprised by unexpected legal fees halfway through a transaction. They promote themselves as offering "unique tailored fee packages offering the best value for money," though specifics vary by service type and complexity. For first-time buyers noted in reviews, they didn't charge for unsuccessful offers, only proceeding with fees once an offer got accepted.

Client feedback consistently highlights responsiveness and communication quality. Multiple reviews mention staff members by name—Laura McFadzean, Tracy, Angela, Duncan McFadzean, Lisbeth-Ann, Paul, Suzanne, Kamila—suggesting people build relationships with specific solicitors rather than feeling shuffled between anonymous staff. One reviewer used them for investment property conveyancing, noting that complex purchases requiring time to resolve were handled with approachable, friendly service throughout. Another mentioned updating wills with the entire process from first interview to signing completed within 10 days.

The firm operates under ELP-AM Solicitors Limited (company SC471191), regulated by the Law Society of Scotland with full solicitors' Master Policy professional indemnity insurance. That regulatory framework matters because it means they're held to professional standards and clients have recourse through the Law Society if things go wrong. They maintain membership with relevant professional bodies, which provides reassurance about qualifications and ethical obligations beyond just claiming expertise.

Their website includes property search functionality with filters for price ranges, bedroom counts, property types, and geographic areas across Edinburgh. The listings show current properties for sale with photos and details—practical for anyone considering using their estate agency services to see what kinds of properties they're actively marketing. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, with phone and email contact options plus the ability to message via WhatsApp for faster replies.

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