Housing a sizeable commercial litigation practice, Brodies LLP ‘delivers sound, balanced and thoughtful advice’ across a wide range of domestic and cross-border disputes in the financial services, energy, food and beverages, construction, IT and automotive sectors. Praised for his ‘strong leadership and strategic nous’, Iain Rutherford focuses on intellectual property, IT and energy litigation, and jointly leads the team with Stephen Goldie, who handles high-value contractual disputes. The ‘outstanding’ Joyce Cullen has experience in financial services litigation, contractual claims, professional negligence proceedings and employment-related disputes, while Antony Jones KC handles construction cases, and Aberdeen-based Kenneth MacDonald heads the firm’s international arbitration practice. Other key contacts include Craig Watt, Jared Oyston and senior associate Monica Connolly, along with Malcolm Gunnyeon and Clare Bone, who joined in October 2022 from Dentons and BTO Solicitors LLP respectively.
Commercial litigation in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Goldie; Iain Rutherford
Autres avocats clés:
Joyce Cullen; Antony Jones KC; Craig Watt; Kenneth MacDonald; Jared Oyston; Monica Connolly; Fiona Chute; Amina Jamil; Malcolm Gunnyeon; Clare Bone
Les références
‘Iain Rutherford has an excellent strategic mind and is unflappable under pressure. Definitely someone to have on your team. Associate Amina Jamil is energetic, tireless and a strong analyst of legal issues.’
‘Joyce Cullen is outstanding. She was ably assisted by senior associate Fiona Chute.’
‘The entire team worked well with our business and was flexible when we needed advice. At times, we were speaking to them as much as anyone in our own business.’
Principaux clients
Aggreko Plc
Whyte and MacKay
Trident Trust
CGI IT UK Limited
Edgen Murray Europe Limited
FIM Forest Funds General Partner Ltd
PRA Group (UK) Limited
Pulsant Limited
Royal & Sun Alliance
AJ Capital Partners LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Tomatin Distillery on a variety of IP issues, including copyright, patent and trade mark disputes.
- Acting for Park’s of Hamilton in relation to an ongoing dispute with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) arising from the announcement of a new title sponsor for the league, which involved various obligations being imposed upon member clubs.
CMS
CMS stands out for its expertise in high-value energy and financial services litigation, often involving cross-border elements on account of the firm’s global footprint, with additional experience across the telecoms, life sciences, IT, insurance and transport sectors. Dual qualified in both English and Scots law, Colin Hutton leads the team and handles high-stakes shareholder disputes, while Graeme MacLeod specialises in commercial litigation and professional negligence work in the Court of Session. Alison Gow heads the real estate disputes group, and Harriet Munro is noted for her expertise assisting construction clients with professional indemnity claims. Other key contacts in the team include Rob Wilson, who focuses on energy, construction and infrastructure disputes; Will Anderson, who was promoted to partner in May 2022 and acts on high-profile franchise cases, and senior associate Rory Thomson, who handles both commercial disputes and professional negligence matters and is often involved in some of the team's biggest cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Colin Hutton
Autres avocats clés:
Graeme MacLeod; Alison Gow; Rob Wilson; Harriet Munro; Will Anderson
Principaux clients
James Finlay (Kenya) Limited
Shell UK Oil Products Ltd
Scottish Event Campus Limited
The former Joint Administrators of Rangers Football Club
ITV Studios Limited/ITV Broadcasting Limited
The Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service (known as National Services Scotland)
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Scottish Power Renewables
SPEX Group Holdings Limited
Heriot-Watt University
Pinsent Masons LLP
Praised for its ‘energy, tenacity and determination’, the ‘top-class team’ at Pinsent Masons LLP handles the full gamut of mandates, from financial services litigation and contractual disputes to intellectual property and IT cases, property litigation and insolvency proceedings, among others. Jim Cormack KC leads the group and handles a broad range of disputes with a specialism in intellectual property, IT, media, finance, company and regulatory matters, while Jacqueline Harris has experience in product liability cases. ‘All-round superwoman’ Joanne Gillies focuses on contentious insolvency issues and corporate disputes, and the Aberdeen-based Bruce Craig ‘stands out in relation to marine and offshore litigation’. Other key contacts in the team include Glasgow-based David Woods and legal director Laura Crilly.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jim Cormack KC
Les références
‘Joanne Gillies: A straight arrow to deal with and a straight arrow into the heart of your opponent. Leads from the front.’
‘The team, and in particular Joanne Gillies, is solution-focused, at all times offering highly commercial and cost-effective advice.’
‘Very flexible with billing and provide a service similar to that of a magic circle firm, at 50% of the cost.’
Principaux clients
News Corp
BP plc
NatWest Group
William Grant & Sons Limited
Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Galliford Try Group
Legal & General plc
Deloitte LLP
KCA Deutag Group
Principaux dossiers
- Represented a medical device manufacturer in a series of product liability claims.
- Acting for iiiTec on three connected actions in the Aberdeen Sheriff Court against entities in the Weatherford Group pertaining to a complex network of oil and gas technology and IP agreements and patents flowing from those agreements.
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP ‘is at the forefront of all wisdom in Scotland when it comes to commercial litigation’, acting on high-end disputes for domestic and international clients across the automotive, telecoms, energy, financial services and transport sectors. In the firm’s Glasgow office, practice leader Gary Moffat has ‘a wealth of knowledge in insolvency and financial services litigation’, in addition to fraud cases and telecoms-related disputes, while Jody Crockett heads the English law dispute resolution team. The Edinburgh office is home to the ‘meticulous’ Joanna Fulton, who specialises in product liability claims, and Alan McMillan, whose ‘reputation precedes him’. The Aberdeen-based Neil Smith handles energy and marine disputes, and is another key contact in the group. Associate Andrew McDonald recently joined the team from Davidson Chalmers Stewart; he is praised for his 'huge ability above his years', and for providing 'thoughtful, considered advice.'
Responsables de la pratique:
Gary Moffat
Autres avocats clés:
Jody Crockett; Joanna Fulton; Alan McMillan; Neil Smith; Sophia Harrison; Andrew Forsyth; Andrew McDonald
Les références
‘Gary Moffat has a wealth of knowledge in insolvency and financial services litigation and uses that knowledge to identify commercial solutions for his clients. He is incredibly strong when it comes to identifying strategy.’
‘Sophia Harrison is very client focused. She takes time to get to know her clients and understand their business needs and objectives.’
‘Joanna Fulton is meticulous. She has excellent attention to detail, which is invaluable when it comes to managing litigation projects.’
Principaux clients
Vodafone
The Republic of Cyprus
Sky Television
The Insolvency Service
Elite Sports Group Limited
Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited
Neos Networks
Galbraith Trawlers Limited
Ventgrove Limited
Harris Tweed Authority
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Galbraith Trawlers Limited in a commercial dispute in the marine sector, securing a victory against the Home Office in Campbeltown Sheriff Court’s first hybrid trial with witnesses giving evidence remotely from around the world.
- Representing the interests of the Republic of Cyprus in issues arising from the deaths of eight seamen following the capsize and sinking of the commercial vessel, MV Cemfjord, in the Pentland Firth in the north of Scotland in early 2015.
- Acted for The Insolvency Service, an executive agency of the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Society, on a variety of commercial litigation cases.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Counting multinational corporates, financial institutions, public sector entities, SMEs, trustees and private individuals among its key roster of clients, Shepherd and Wedderburn is commended for its ‘in-depth commercial litigation experience’ with demonstrable capability in cross-border cases. John MacKenzie leads the team and is noted for his expertise in intellectual property and IT mandates, while Iain Drummond focuses on construction, engineering and major project disputes, in addition to negligence claims. Other key contacts in the group include Elaine Brailsford, who focuses on commercial, financial and property-related disputes, Gillian Carty, who specialises in insolvency litigation, Matt Phillip, who handles contractual disputes and brand protection proceedings, Elaine Todd and senior associate Gina Johnston.
Responsables de la pratique:
John MacKenzie
Autres avocats clés:
Iain Drummond; Gillian Carty; Matt Phillip; Elaine Todd; Gina Johnston; Elaine Brailsford
Les références
‘The team has in-depth commercial litigation experience.’
‘They have excellent knowledge of the law and are proactive in the service they provide.’
‘The quality of their work is excellent.’
Principaux clients
Manolete Partners Plc
The Scottish Professional Football League
Balfour Beatty Group Limited
Macdonald Resorts Limited
BDO/Investec
Study World Higher Education Services FZ LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Manolete (as assignee/funder) in relation to a number of assigned and funded claims in the Court of Session.
Addleshaw Goddard
Counting regional and international corporations among its key roster of clients, the ‘highly knowledgeable team’ at Addleshaw Goddard is routinely instructed to assist with contractual disputes, shareholder litigation and procurement challenges alongside insolvency proceedings. Following the departure of Joan Devine in April 2022, the team bolstered its numbers with the arrival of Claire Thornber (previously at Weightmans LLP), who specialises in commercial property and insolvency litigation, and Douglas Blyth (particular expertise in insolvency disputes) from Dentons; both are solicitor advocates. Other key contacts in the group include practice leader Simon Catto, Alan Sinclair, who handles contentious insolvency mandates, and legal director Edward Gratwick.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Catto
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Thornber; Douglas Blyth; Alan Sinclair; Edward Gratwick; Kirsten Thomson
Les références
‘Highly knowledgeable team.’
‘Claire Thornber is highly skilled in her field and demonstrates this through her work. She is great at playing devil’s advocate and is very pragmatic.’
‘Alan Sinclair has a thorough and commercial approach. Alan and Claire Thornber are both proactive and demonstrate excellent knowledge.’
Principaux clients
EXIM Kabel Kereskedelmi KFT
ASDA Stores Limited
Scottish Gas Networks Limited
Briggs Marine Contractors Limited
Andrew Marr International Limited
Circularity Scotland Limited
Southbank Asset Finance Limited
Highland and Islands Airport Limited
Games Consultancy Limited
Muller UK and Ireland Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Providing Scottish Gas Networks Limited with ongoing commercial litigation assistance, from its business as usual to more complex legal disputes involving its network.
- Acting for Circularity Scotland Limited as the scheme administrators for a deposit return scheme proposed for single use drinks containers on a judicial review; a retailer sought the judicial review of the client’s decision to implement a return handling fee.
- Representing Briggs Marine Contractors Limited, a long-standing client of the practice, in a contractual dispute raised in the Court of Session.
Anderson Strathern
The ‘responsive and dedicated’ team at Anderson Strathern acts for government agencies, private individuals and national corporations on damages claims, contractual disputes and shareholder litigation. In the firm’s Glasgow office, practice leader Fraser Geddes handles commercial contract disputes, property litigation and professional negligence claims, while ‘experienced litigator’ Katrina Lumsdaine spearheads the offering in Edinburgh and acts on high-value multi-party claims. Other key contacts in the group include Gillian Jamieson, property litigation head Fiona Stephen and senior associate Scott Flannigan.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fraser Geddes
Autres avocats clés:
Katrina Lumsdaine; Gillian Jamieson; Fiona Stephen; Tom McEntegart; Scott Flannigan
Les références
‘Katrina Lumsdaine is an experienced litigator, who retains focus on the commercial objective. Scott Flannigan is a senior associate, whose legal analysis allows him to interrogate the evidence and stay several steps ahead of the opposition in any dispute.’
‘Fiona Stephen and her team were phenomenal to work with. For a significant hearing fixed at very short notice, they marshalled all of the relevant information and witnesses in record time, enabling the client’s position to be fully and properly (and successfully) advanced before the court.’
‘The team is very responsive and dedicated to client’s needs. Someone in the team is always available for client contact. The team takes a commercial approach to litigation and is always mindful of getting the best overall results for its clients.’
Principaux clients
22 Scottish Local Authorities and Scottish Water (Angus Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Dundee City Council, East Ayrshire Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, East Lothian Council, Edinburgh Council (City of), Fife Council, Glasgow Council (City of), Midlothian Council, North Ayrshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Perth and Kinross Council, Renfrewshire Council, Scottish Borders Council, Stirling Council, South Ayrshire Council, Tayside Contracts, West Dunbartonshire Council, West Lothian Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar/ Western Isles Council)
Rangers Football Club Limited
Monarch Transport Limited
Dmwshnz Limited (In Liquidation)
West Dunbartonshire Council
Scottish Water
East Lothian Council
Skaala Group Oy
Locogen Consulting Limited
Iolair Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for a group of 22 local authorities, who are pursuing a multi-million damages claim against five defenders with eleven third parties.
- Acting for Scottish Water on a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including an ongoing litigation resulting from a heavy goods vehicle belonging to the defender crashing into a pipe bridge, causing significant damage, including the closure of an aqueduct and a road.
- Pursuing a commercial litigation against the Bank of Scotland in respect of its role as shadow director to a company that went into liquidation.
Harper Macleod LLP
Harper Macleod LLP ‘puts forward an incredibly strong and accessible offering, capable of going toe to toe on a client’s behalf in any adversarial situation’. Key areas of expertise include contractual disputes and shareholder litigation, in addition to issues arising from post-M&A transactions. Praised as ‘one of Scotland’s leading commercial litigators’, Sandy Hastie heads the practice from the firm’s office in Edinburgh, while ‘standout partner’ David Kerr spearheads the team in Glasgow. Other key contacts in the group include John McHugh and Laura McCorquodale, who both operate from the Edinburgh office, as well as the Glasgow-based E-Ming Fong.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sandy Hastie
Autres avocats clés:
David Kerr; John McHugh; Laura McCorquodale; E-Ming Fong
Les références
‘Harper Macleod has a strong commercial litigation team. It is a Scottish-based litigation firm that is perfectly capable of matching some of the large multinational firms operating in Scotland. It has a truly commercial and client-oriented manner.’
‘The team is full of standout individuals. Sandy Hastie is one of Scotland’s leading commercial litigators. There is nobody better in the market in terms of technical knowledge, detailed understanding of a client’s case and pragmatic, commercial advice. He is definitely a star. Laura McCorquodale is absolutely brilliant. She is great at dealing with clients, understanding their issues and concerns, and provides clear and intelligible advice. She is great to work with. David Kerr is another standout partner. He is vastly experienced in all areas of commercial litigation. His real strength is in giving clear, commercial advice to his clients.’
‘One of the strongest commercial litigation teams in the country.’
Principaux clients
Halfords Group
Lidl
Energiekontor UK Ltd
M & Co
Kuehne & Nagel International AG
Optical Express Group
Timpson Group
Musicians Union
National Car Parks Ltd
Scottish Government
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Robert Kidd on a $150m action against the purchasers of his shareholding in an oil and gas company and their solicitors based on an unlawful means conspiracy, including a successful appeal to the Inner House of the Court of Session.
- Represented Centenary 6 Ltd in a £40m loss of opportunity claim against TLT solicitors, concerning legal advice given by TLT, which resulted in the irretrievable loss of a prior right of action.
- Represented Moulsdale Properties in an appeal to the UK Supreme Court concerning a complex question of UK VAT law.
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Counting domestic and international corporations among its key roster of clients, Morton Fraser MacRoberts (the result of the late-2023 merger between Morton Fraser and MacRoberts LLP) has demonstrable experience in handling commercial contract disputes, shareholder litigation, insolvency proceedings and contentious property cases. Dual qualified in Scots and English law, Richard McMeeken leads the team from Edinburgh and acts for UK businesses, high-net-worth individuals and public sector entities on a range of commercial disputes, while the Glasgow-based Nicola Ross handles shareholder litigation, contentious insolvency issues and banking disputes. Following the merger, the highly regarded Julie Hamilton, insolvency specialist Leon Breakey, property litigator Isobell Reid and Lynsay Cargill are now also at the firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard McMeeken
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Ross; Jennifer Andrew; Julie Hamilton; Leon Breakey; Isobell Reid; Lynsay Cargill
Les références
‘They are a reputable Scottish independent firm with a good profile in the market.’
‘Richard McMeeken is a knowledgeable and effective litigator, who combines an academic understanding of the law with a sensible, practical approach to litigation.’
‘They are a substantial Scottish litigation practice with notable clients attracting a wide range of disputes.’
Principaux clients
Angelline (Scotland) Limited
BV10 Limited
Scottish Building Federation
Standard Life Trustee Company Limited
Will Rudd Davidson (Edinburgh) LLP
Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Limited
Galaxy Transport Limited
Handlesbanken
Kingdom Gas Limited
Lowther Homes Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Angelline (Scotland) Limited in a dispute arising out of a share purchase agreement in the pharmaceutical industry involving contractual interpretation and rectification of contract issues.
- Acting for BV10 on two commercial court actions raised in the Court of Session against various land development companies for the implementation of contractual obligations entered into by those land development companies.
- Acting for the City of Edinburgh Council on a commercial dispute over its obligations in a waste management contract with Dalton Group Limited.
Aberdein Considine
Noted for its expertise across the banking, oil and gas, professional services, pharmaceutical and retail sectors, Aberdein Considine merged with Russel & Aitken in May 2022, bolstering the firm’s commercial litigation offering with the arrival of Alan Jones. The team has demonstrable experience in handling shareholder disputes, contentious insolvency proceedings, data protection litigation and commercial contract cases, among others. Euan McSherry advises on litigation mandates in the food and drink, energy and sport industries; he heads the practice, which includes ‘superb litigator’ Ross Webb.
Responsables de la pratique:
Euan McSherry
Autres avocats clés:
Alan Jones; Ross Webb
Les références
‘Excellent practice punching well above its weight in terms of quality of clients and work. Notable for high-quality and hard-working associates and junior lawyers supporting well respected partners.’
‘Ross Webb is a superb litigator, who really cares about good outcomes for his clients.’
‘The team in Edinburgh is small but of good quality and very responsive to client needs.’
Principaux clients
Pfizer
Mowi (Scotland)
Texo Group
Petroineous
Royal & Ancient – St Andrews
Lloyds Banking Group
Nationwide Building Society
Royal Bank of Scotland
Castle Water
Solenis Group
Broxburn Bottlers
Jetlogic
Consultiv Utilities
Manolete Partners PLC
LFH Engineering
Kames Fish Farming
Staffscanner
Avant Homes
Utility ROV
John Inglis
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Pfizer Inc in the defence of Court of Session proceedings alleging that one of its heart drugs caused heart attacks and strokes.
- Acting for Texo Group in relation to a multi-million pound commercial dispute over the recovery of contractual payments and statutory penalties.
- Acting for Mowi Group in relation to a business critical action pertaining to the client’s freshwater and sea loch sites.
BTO Solicitors LLP
BTO Solicitors LLP handles a broad range of disputes across the tourism and leisure, renewable energy, construction, banking and automotive sectors where its clients also benefit from the team’s close cooperation with the firm’s corporate crime, professional indemnity and regulatory groups. Grant Hunter leads the practice, which includes Will Cole, who handles shareholder disputes, property cases and insolvency litigation, complemented by his arbitration and mediation expertise. Other key contacts include Cat MacLean, who is experienced in handling financial claims and joined the firm from MBM Commercial in November 2022, as well as the ‘fiercely intelligent’ Angus Wood.
Responsables de la pratique:
Grant Hunter
Autres avocats clés:
Will Cole; Cat MacLean; Angus Wood
Les références
‘One of its unique strengths is the sheer breadth of experience. They handle everything from the most complex and high-value disputes to the much more routine commercial litigation with equal strength. They are also one of the most organised firms when it comes to instructing counsel.’
‘Angus Wood is one of the many standout stars at BTO. He combines being fiercely intelligent on the complex legal issues with a real ability to give practical and commercial advice to clients about their options.’
‘Cat Maclean is an up-and-coming solicitor in the team. She is very good at the detail and super organised. A definite star of the future.’
Principaux clients
MAN SE
ADM Agriculture Limited
Club Los Claveles
Scottish Football Association
Exchange Communications Installations Limited
Ocean Outdoor
Stephen Gorman and Catherine Gorman
SRUC
Bullet Express Limited
Smith and McLaurin Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for MAN SE in connection with multiple follow-on damages claims under competition law, founding upon the European Commission’s 2016 Trucks Decision.
- Assisted the multinational grain supplier and processor ADM with litigation following the administration of the UK grain wholesaler Alexander Inglis and Son, through which ADM was able to recover over 3,700 metric tonnes of oil seed rape.
- Acted for the shareholders of an online retailer on a multinational shareholder dispute involving interests in Scotland, England and Germany.
Davidson Chalmers Stewart
The ‘personable and approachable’ team at Davidson Chalmers Stewart handles a wide range of contractual disputes in addition to professional negligence claims, and is noted for its expertise in the healthcare sector, advising on medical and dental practice issues, partnership litigation and sector-specific contract disputes. Sheila Webster leads the team and has demonstrable experience in property litigation, while Magnus Miller handles real estate disputes and insolvency proceedings. Ewan McIntyre joined as partner coming from a consulting firm in May 2023.
Autres avocats clés:
Magnus Miller; Jane Dickers; Ewan McIntyre
Les références
‘Sheila Webster is down to earth, approachable and gives good ‘common sense’ advice.’
‘The team I work with is relatively small but of a high quality with an ability to deliver results for clients without sugarcoating advice.’
‘There was simply no nonsense. We approached them with a problem, they listened, they thought about it and they came up with a solution. The solution worked. We were delighted with them.’
Principaux clients
Springfield Properties plc
Natural Assets Investments Limited
Patersons of Greenoakhill Limited
Radisson Hotels UK Limited
Alba Energy Limited
Chik Commodities PVT Limited/York Holdings PVT Limited
Saica Natur UK Limited
Cambusmore Estates Limited and Kenneth Greenland
Corriedoon Limited
Caley Cruisers Limited/Jamie Hogan
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Natural Assets Investments Limited on two cases currently in the Commercial Court of the Court of Session and relating to a £27m claim under guarantee obligations for works to the funicular railway at the ski resort in the Cairngorms.
- Advised Allan Watt in a £3m breach of warranty claim arising from a share purchase agreement, relating to valuations of fishing businesses (linked to fishing quotas) and the settlement of the earlier litigation.
- Representing Patersons of Greenoakhill Limited in its appeal to the Upper Tribunal regarding Revenue Scotland’s assessments applying the standard, rather than the lower rate of Scottish Landfill Tax to returns.
Dentons
The commercial litigation practice at Dentons leverages the firm’s global footprint to act for large domestic and international corporations on multijurisdictional disputes, public inquiries and insolvency litigation. Following the departures of Malcolm Gunnyeon to Brodies LLP and Douglas Blyth to Addleshaw Goddard at the end of 2022, Craig Neilson took over the practice together with the London-based Louisa Caswell and is praised as being ‘a top-notch commercial partner with excellent instincts in a difficult litigation’; he is best known for handling cases involving cyberattacks and data privacy issues. Counsel Fiona Caldow, who is dual qualified in Scots and English law, is another key contact in the group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Craig Neilson; Louisa Caswell
Autres avocats clés:
Fiona Caldow; Sarah Wardell
Les références
‘Craig Neilson is a key expert in litigation involving complex issues of crypto assets. He is an outstanding expert in the field.’
‘Craig Neilson is a top-notch commercial partner with excellent instincts in a difficult litigation.’
‘Sarah Wardell is a safe pair of hands.’
Principaux clients
DHL Information Services (Europe) s.r.o.
Eden Springs UK Ltd
Edinburgh International Festival Society
Emtelle UK Ltd
Equorium, part of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group
FSCom Limited
Funding Circle Limited
Laboratoires Théa SAS
Manolete Partners PLC
Muller UK & Ireland Group LLP trading as Muller Wiseman Dairies and OTHER
NatWest Group
NHBC
Peel Land and Property Investments Plc
RELX UK Limited T/A LexisNexis
RH Independent Healthcare Limited
RSM Tenon Limited
Shieldwear Limited
Silicon Valley Bank
Snow Leopard Vodka Limited
Société Générale
Sodexo Services Asia Pte
Sofant Technologies Limited
The Edrington Group Limited
The Gupta Partnership
The Macallan Distillers Limited
TSB Bank Plc
Network Rail
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Mainstream Renewable Power Limited in a judicial review challenging a decision by Crown Estate Scotland.
- Acted for Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited in relation to two separate public inquiries pertaining to wind farm developments in the proximity of the airport.
- Advised Lujo Properties Limited, a commercial landlord, following a breach by its tenant and initiated proceedings on its behalf in relation to an action for irritancy, which considered technical legal issues including personal bar and oppression.
DLA Piper
With demonstrable experience across the food, retail, construction and real estate, consumer goods and technology sectors, DLA Piper handles a broad range of domestic and cross-border disputes, from commercial contract cases to intellectual property litigation and payment actions. Alistair Drummond advises on commercial property disputes and contentious construction matters, while Stuart Murdoch focuses on financial services litigation. Other key contacts in the group include legal directors James McGachie (particular expertise in cybersecurity-related cases) and Jennifer Talbot (contractual disputes). Naomi Pryde joined the team from DWF in December 2022; she now heads up the firm's litigation and regulatory practice in Scotland.
Responsables de la pratique:
Naomi Pryde
Autres avocats clés:
Stuart Murdoch; James McGachie; Jennifer Talbot; Alistair Drummond; Patrick Fulton
Principaux clients
Shiseido UK Limited
YUGO Student Housing Association
Moorbrook Textiles Limited
Scottish Friendly Assurance
John Menzies Plc
MorphPackers Limited
Lothian Amusements Limited
Heineken UK Ltd
Maven Capital UK Partners LLP
Peak Scientific Instruments Limited
The Football Association of the Premier League
Airbus Helicopters S.A.S.
Sapphire 16 S.A.R.L. (owners of East Kilbride Shopping Centre)
Principaux dossiers
- Represented the owners of Scotland’s largest undercover shopping centre in the successful keep-open obligation against a global retailer, following their attempts to close the store despite the lease enduring until 2071.
- Represented the Scotland-based aviation giant John Menzies Plc in its £763m takeover by Agility Public Warehousing Company.
- Represented Shiseido in the resolution and removal of 346 fraudulent companies from the UK Register of Companies; the fraudulent companies were created using the stolen personal details of UK Shiseido company personnel.
DWF
The commercial litigation team at DWF handles a broad range of disputes across the construction and real estate sectors and counts UK companies and domestic retail operators among its key roster of clients. Following the departure of former practice head Naomi Pryde to DLA Piper in December 2022, Lauren Rae leads the practice and handles commercial contract disputes and IT-related litigation, while director Ursula Carrie advises on contentious property and planning mandates.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lauren Rae
Autres avocats clés:
Ursula Carrie
Principaux clients
Marks and Spencer Plc
Orkney Islands Council
BT Group Plc
The Highland Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeen City Council
EE Limited
Mowi Scotland Limited
Travis Perkins (Properties) Limited
Next Holdings Limited
Shetland Islands Council
PNFT 5 Real Estate Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised M&S, a tenant under a long lease at a shopping centre in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, in relation to a dispute with the landlord in respect of a keep-open clause in the lease.
- Acting on behalf of H&V Commissioning Services Limited in defence of an action brought against the client in relation to the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
- Acting on behalf of MBNL, a joint venture of 3 and EE, in relation to a portfolio of sites where the client is looking to obtain rights under the Electronic Communications Code for telecommunications apparatus.
Gilson Gray
Gilson Gray has demonstrable experience in handling commercial contract disputes, particularly high-value Court of Session litigations, in addition to shareholder disputes, construction cases, property litigation and judicial review mandates. Practice leader Rosie Walker has a robust international practice, notably in the Middle East, and focuses on Court of Session litigation, while John Kydd joined the firm from Thorntons Law LLP in August 2022; he spearheads the group’s expansion in the Tayside and northeast regions of Scotland. Keith Anderson departed for TLT in September 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rosie Walker
Autres avocats clés:
John Kydd
Les références
‘Rosie Walker was always available, readily understood the concerns and was able to provide concise but comprehensive advice.’
‘A large team and growing rapidly, attracting new talent.’
‘Rosie Walker has excellent commercial knowledge and is very good at tactics and strategy in litigation.’
Principaux clients
United Voices of the World Trade Union
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited
St Enoch Trustee Company Limited
The Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers
The Lead Generation Marketing Company Limited
Future Property Auctions Limited
First Subsea Limited
Yacht Havens Limited
Heart of Midlothian plc
Brewdog plc
Lime Rock Management LLP Limited
Sunny Hill Energy Limited (formerly Petroceltic Holdings Limited)
QTS Group Ltd
Elior UK plc
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Lidl UK GmbH
Scotbeef Limited
Scotmid
Dickson Minto WS
Weekett Limited
Dundee Football Club
Partick Thistle Football Club Ltda
AMA (New Town) Limited
Mansfield Care Limited
Avant Homes Scotland Limited
Grant Thornton UK LLP
KPMG
Enterprise Rent-a-Car Limited
Ernst & Young
Savills
London & Country Mortgages Limited
Rettie & Co
Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd
Shaf Rasul
Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall Limited
Len Lothian Limited
Class One Traffic Management Limited
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Edinburgh Academy
The Compass School
St Aloysius School
DJ Alexander Limited
NCS Group Limited
Euro Systems Limited
Johnson’s Apparelmaster Limited t/a Professional Linen Services
Rewind Festival Limited
Vets Now Limited
Mischon de Reya LLP
Anglian Windows Limited
Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators
Middlebrooks Business Recovery and Advice
Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee
Federation of British Race Course Bookmakers
Xyrex Limited
Roy Brett & Gary Welch (Ondine Limited)
Alpine Travel Limited
Alex M Adamson LLP
Chiene & Tait
French Duncan LLP
Global Voices Limited
Gordon & Noble
Graham & Sibbald
Lester Aldridge LLP
LS Smellie & Sons Ltd
MGM Timber (Scotland) Limited
Stirling Park LLP
Thomas Hannah & Co
Western Circle Limited
Clarendon Planning & Development Ltd
William Duncan & Co Limited
Sotheby’s
Subsea Supplies Limited
Colin Murray Developments Ltd
James Gibb Property Management Ltd
Centric Community Projects Limited
Castle European Limited
Condies Business Recovery and Insolvency
Aberdeen Laundry Services Limited
Birketts LLP
Carnbroe Estates Limited
CSN Care Group Limited
Delete Limited
Associated British Ports
Disruptive Brands Ltd
Eros Retail Ltd
Invertay Homes Ltd
Kaas Properties Limited
KO Franchise Ltd
Polygon Marketing Limited
Plutus Developments Ltd
Scottish Golf Ltd
Stream Marine Training Group Limited
Vivers Scotlamb Limited
Salty Dog Holidays Limited
Adaptive Construction
GMG Contracts
Principaux dossiers
- Advising five defenders on a high-value claim in relation to a dispute arising out of an investment in a company by the Lime Rock Group, in which the pursuer held an interest. The pursuer alleges that his then agents acted in breach of their fiduciary duties and in breach of contract.
- Assisting Vermilion Holdings Limited with a Supreme Court appeal pertaining to HMRC’s taxation of an options agreement.
- Acting for Bogside Investments Limited on a multi-million pound fraud action arising out of an investment in the Middle East.
Lindsays
Housing a team of ‘top-quality professionals’, Lindsays displays ‘a talent and adaptiveness for dealing with a range of cases’, including disputes arising from commercial contracts, shareholder litigation and regulatory proceedings. Thanks to the firm’s robust rural practice, the group is also well placed to advise on agricultural disputes. Practice leader John Bett has built a strong SME client base, while the ‘eminently approachable’ Brent Haywood has experience in sporting disputes. Senior associate Gregor MacEwan is praised as being ‘intensely knowledgeable and incredibly organised’.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Bett
Autres avocats clés:
Brent Haywood; Gregor MacEwan; Brian Pollock
Les références
‘Flexible and tailored approach for specific requirements. Top-quality professionals at value-for-money rates, who go the extra mile to work collaboratively.’
‘Lindsays’ litigation team takes a very practical, focussed approach in order to secure their clients’ best interests swiftly, economically and effectively. They are also good natured and gracious as well as unerringly intelligent.’
‘The firm has an exceptionally talented pool of solicitors, who are very engaged and enthusiastic. They work on a number of high-profile, complex cases and have the experience needed to achieve results for their clients.’
Principaux clients
C J Lang & Son (wholesaler for SPAR Scotland)
Manolete Partners Plc
Scottish Water
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
McGivney Construction
William Duncan Business Recovery
Ellmoll Builders
The University of Edinburgh
Grainger Corporate
Hutchison Technologies
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Mayfly Gwr Offshort Industria E comerio Ltd, a Brazilian-based transport container supplier, on a Court of Session commercial action valued at in excess of £10m. The client is suing Swire Oilfield Services Do Brasil LTDA regarding its obligations under a distribution agreement.
- Acting for a detectorist defending a claim arising from his discovery of a hoard of ancient valuables valued at more than £1m.
- Acting for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in relation to the withdrawal of services in a manner that amounted to unlawful discrimination.
Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths LLP goes ‘above and beyond’ for its clients, handling financial services litigation, property disputes and insolvency proceedings as well as professional negligence claims, recoveries litigation, and commercial contract and shareholder disputes. ‘Specialist in insolvency litigation’ Stuart Clubb jointly leads the team with Andrew Foyle, who focuses on all aspects of financial services litigation, including claims against lenders, and professional negligence. Principal associate Ben Zielinski, who handles contractual claims and IT-related disputes, is another key contact in the group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stuart Clubb; Andrew Foyle
Autres avocats clés:
Ben Zielinski
Les références
‘Works in collaboration, always available to assist and goes above and beyond.’
‘The team is efficient and pragmatic.’
‘The team has an excellent knowledge of insolvency and general commercial litigation law. The quality of their work is excellent.‘
Principaux clients
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc / Natwest Group
Boots UK Limited
Poundland Limited
Cabot Financial UK Limited
SSE / Ovo Energy
Screwfix Direct Ltd
Middlebrooks
Grahams The Family Dairy
Close Brothers Limited
Hoover Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on behalf of a property developer on a breach of contract and professional negligence action against its former architects and cost consultants.
- Acting on behalf of a specialist insolvency litigation claims acquisition company in the pursuit of an unpaid director’s loan.
- Acting on behalf of minority shareholders on an unfair prejudice petition in the Court of Session.
Stronachs LLP
Based in Aberdeen, Stronachs LLP acts for domestic and international clients across the oil and gas, energy and construction sectors on a range of commercial disputes, from contractual issues and warranty claims to shareholder disputes and damages actions, and continues to be increasingly active in property, construction and insolvency-related litigation. Practice leader Robert McDiarmid handles commercial disputes in the energy and construction industries, while the Inverness-based Colin Sandilands has notable experience in property-related claims. Deborah Law, who was promoted to partner in June 2022, is another key contact in the group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert McDiarmid
Autres avocats clés:
Colin Sandilands; Deborah Law; Claire Stewart
Les références
‘This is a friendly approachable firm, where they all seem to work as a team and always get someone to answer your queries.’
‘Robert McDiarmid and the team handled our case with great efficiency, always providing good clear information and providing answers to any questions.’
‘The team at Stronachs has a deep understanding of the legal landscape in their chosen area of expertise.’
Principaux clients
Weatherford International plc
Global Energy Group
Fairhurst
Marshall Errock Construction Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Inverness Glass Co Ltd
Glen Mhor Limited
Subsea Tooling Services UK Limited
Xodus Group Limited
AMS Global Group
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Weatherford International plc and its subsidiaries in a commercial and intellectual property dispute.
- Represented a shareholder, who has raised a petition at the Court of Session for orders under s. 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (unfair prejudice shareholder petition). The petition seeks orders for the compulsory sale of another shareholder’s shares in a private limited company to the client, owing to allegedly unfairly prejudicial conduct in the running of the company’s affairs by the other shareholder and director.
- Represented Marshall Errock Construction Limited in relation to a multi-adjudication and dispute with its main contractor.