The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial Edinburgh and Glasgow: , tier 4

Semple Fraser LLP’s ‘major strengths are its coherent strategic thinking and fantastic response times’. Corporate head Bill Fowler has a particular focus on renewable energy, and Scott Kerr is an ‘all-round great performer’.

Within Commercial litigation, Semple Fraser LLP is a third tier firm,

Semple Fraser LLP advised two members of the Gillespie family, one of Scotland’s leading business families, on a number of legal issues including alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by directors, potential reductions of high-value property transfers, and issues regarding the fair distribution of asset values. Practice head Kenneth Carruthers has over 20 years’ experience in commercial litigation and is highly regarded.

Within Banking and finance , tier 5

Douglas Gourlay at Semple Fraser LLP is recommended for his ‘extensive legal knowledge in the real estate sector, and pragmatic and commercial approach’.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Semple Fraser LLP is a second tier firm,

Semple Fraser LLP provides ‘practical advice backed by a great deal of experience’, most notably through ‘reliable insolvency expert’ Gordon Hollerin, who ‘compares favourably with anyone’. Recent highlights include appointment to Clydesdale Bank’s panel to provide advice on restructuring and secured debt recovery and exit.

Within Employment Employment

Within Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow, Semple Fraser LLP is a first tier firm,

Commercial property is a cornerstone of Semple Fraser LLP’s success. Highlights in 2010 included acting for Tesco plc on various development deals, including a new 26,600 sq ft superstore at Buckie. Practice head Elspeth Carson is recommended, and Margaret McLean’s ‘ability instills complete confidence’.

Within Construction, Semple Fraser LLP is a third tier firm,

Stuart Macfarlane’s team at Semple Fraser LLP has the ability to ‘cover all aspects of complex transactions and cross-pollinate into different sectors’. Recent highlights include acting for Euro Pools regarding construction contracts for the swimming pools for the London Olympics and the refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh.

Within Elsewhere in Scotland Commercial property: retail occupiers

Within Environment, Semple Fraser LLP is a first tier firm,

Semple Fraser LLP is praised for its ‘good turnaround times and an excellent understanding of the relevant legislation’, with practice head Vincent Brown having ‘crucial end-of-waste sector knowledge’. In 2010, the team advised REG Biopower Limited on regulatory issues arising from the Renewable Energy Directive.

Within Planning, Semple Fraser LLP is a second tier firm,

Semple Fraser LLP is applauded for ‘its rigorous approach to challenges and highly professional manner’, and is very active for key client Tesco. June Gilles and Kenneth Carruthers are recommended.

Within Property litigation, Semple Fraser LLP is a second tier firm,

Kenneth Carruthers’ property litigation practice at Semple Fraser LLP advised BAM Properties in an appeal against City of Edinburgh Council’s refusal to compensate it for land compulsorily taken for the Edinburgh tram.

Within Intellectual property Intellectual property