Our Story
Built on Principle.
Driven by Purpose.
For over 35 years, Johnston & Co has championed the interests of clients across the United Kingdom and the United States who demand nothing less than the best.
The Firm
A Legacy of Distinction
Founded in 1987 by Charles A. Johnston in the City of London, our firm began with a simple conviction: that every client deserves counsel that is both brilliant and human. From our first chambers in London, we built a practice on the strength of personal relationships and uncompromising legal work.
As our reputation grew, so did our ambitions. In 2015, we established our first branch office in New York, followed by Washington, D.C. in 2019 — extending our trusted counsel across the Atlantic to serve clients on both sides of the pond.
Today, with more than 50 solicitors and barristers across four offices in London, Edinburgh, New York, and Washington, D.C., Johnston & Co serves FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, emerging enterprises, and individuals navigating life's most consequential legal moments. Our growth has never diluted our founding principle — every client is our most important client.
We are proud to have been consistently recognised by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, and The Law Society for our work across multiple practice areas.
Our Principles
Core Values
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and unwavering honesty in every engagement.
Excellence
Meticulous preparation and relentless pursuit of the best possible outcome define every case we take on.
Client Focus
Every client receives our full attention. We listen carefully, respond promptly, and tailor strategies to individual needs.
Innovation
We embrace technology and creative problem-solving to deliver more efficient, more effective legal services.
Milestones
Our Journey
Charles A. Johnston founds the firm with three solicitors in the City of London.
Opens Edinburgh office; establishes Scottish law practice.
Named among top 50 firms by The Legal 500 UK.
Launches international practice with cross-border M&A capabilities.
Expands to the United States, opening a branch office in New York.
Opens Washington, D.C. branch; surpasses 50 solicitors and barristers firm-wide.
Recognised as Law Firm of the Year in corporate governance by Chambers & Partners.