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Capital Defence Lawyers’ ‘extremely strong stable of solicitor-advocates’ includes the highly recommended John Scott, John Keenan, Simon Collins and Cameron Tait. The firm provides a ‘faultless’ service and has ‘the highest level of expertise’.

With offices in Edinburgh and Livingston, Adams Whyte handles criminal cases ranging from bail offences and assault to money laundering and murder. Richard Goddard is well respected.

Burnett Christie Knowles McCourts (BCKM) has a strong criminal defence practice, and provides ‘solid’ representation.

The five-solicitor practice of Belmonte & Co is also recommended.

Robert More and George More are well respected at George More & Co.

Wilson McLeod’s niche practice is recommended.

Glasgow

Beltrami & Co advises across the spectrum of criminal law, and is widely recognised for its legal aid practice. Murray Macara QC and Gary McAteer are recommended.

Levy & McRae acts exclusively for private clients, and has dealt with a number of complex fraud and banking cases. Peter Watson heads the department.

Livingstone Brown’s criminal defence team handles everything from minor charges through to serious offences in the High Court. Gerard Brown CBE is highly regarded.

Paul Reid and Iain Fleming of Fleming and Reid Solicitors and Notaries Public are recommended.

Hughes Dowdall is a recognised name for criminal law.

Liam O’Donnell & Co. enjoyed three significant appeal successes during 2010.

Elsewhere in Scotland

With a well-established reputation in legal aid work, Blair & Bryden maintains a strong practice in criminal defence work.

Dundee-based Caird & Vaughan is recommended.

Central Criminal Lawyers’ team includes solicitor-advocate Ian Bryce, while Neil Robertson and Glenn Fraser manage the summary practice and High Court cases.

George Mathers & Co is highly regarded.

Higgins Morledge & Litterick in Alloa is recommended.

MTM Defence Lawyers’ solicitor-advocates Neil Hay and Martin Morrow are recommended.

McCluskey Browne is well known in Kilmarnock.

Johnstone-based McCusker, McElroy & Co is recommended.

Licensing

Brunton Miller remains a strong force in licensing, particularly on the Scottish West Coast. Douglas Dalgleish, Frank Collins and Archie Maciver are recommended.

Lindsays enjoyed a busy year in 2010, and recruited consultant John Batters, whose ‘knowledge is second to none’. Stephen McGowan joined from Tods Murray.

The expertise of Jack Cummins at R & JM Hill Brown & Co remains highly sought after. The firm has a broad client base and particular strength in the retail sector; clients include Tesco, Morrisons and The Co-operative.

Harper Macleod LLP has a ‘strong understanding of the commercial implications of any licensing work’. Clients include William Hill, Greene King and BP Oil. Graeme Nisbet and Andrew Hunter are key individuals, with licensing, gaming and betting expertise.

McGrigors LLP’s licensing team offers expertise to clients such as Gala Casinos, Hilton Hotels, PizzaExpress and Prezzo. Senior associate Audrey Ferrie heads the team and is praised for her ‘good, practical knowledge, consistency, dedication and results’.

Morton Fraser’s licensing practice, headed by David Hossack, provides ‘an excellent service on a wide range of topics’. It recently won licensing work outsourced by the City of Edinburgh Council. Other key clients include Travelodge and Heineken.

Anderson Strathern saw an increased volume of liquor and later-hour-catering licence work, and acts for clients including McDonald’s and the National Trust for Scotland, although practice head Frank Gill recently left the firm.

Brodies LLP’s ‘efficient, helpful and accommodating’ licensing team earned instructions from new clients such as Giraffe, Prezzo and Café Rouge. Alex Buchan heads the team.

Burness LLP won renewal of its appointment to advise Ladbrokes on all licensing matters. Key individuals include Gary Moffat and senior associate Diane Turner, who heads the team.

Delivering a ‘superb service’, DLA Piper Scotland LLP’s licensing practice forms part of the firm’s wider UK licensing team. Clients include Rezidor Hotel Group, Santander and Shanti Hospitality Group. Stephen Dick is the main contact.

Gillespie Macandrew LLP’s Andrew Williams is a highly regarded expert for liquor and civic government licensing matters.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s clients include House of Fraser and the Hammerson Group. Ewan Easton is the main contact.

Shepherd and Wedderburn advises Sainsbury’s on all its licensing requirements. Team head Hugh Smith has particular expertise in the leisure sector.

Tods Murray LLP provides ‘excellent advice’ to clients such as the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, although it saw the departure of Stephen McGowan to Lindsays. Elaine Brailsford heads the team.

Joanna Brynes and Tom Johnston at Young & Partners are well-respected licensing experts.

Blackadders LLP in Dundee is recommended.

Brechin Tindal Oatts has licensing capability in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Graham Cooper is the main contact at Ledingham Chalmers LLP.

Thorntons Law LLP in Forfar is recommended.

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