The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial Edinburgh and Glasgow: , tier 4

Andrew Ley’s corporate team at HBJ Gateley has developed a strong practice in the high-growth start-up and entrepreneurs market, with 2010 seeing it gain new instructions from Scottish Resources and Sunseeker International.

Within Commercial litigation, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s dispute resolution group delivers ‘excellent all-round service from partner to associate’. In 2010, it was reappointed to BT’s Scottish panel, and remains its sole litigation services provider in Scotland. It also acted for Senergy Holdings in a £12m breach of contract claim. Simon Catto heads the team.

Within Debt recovery, Gateley is a second tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s asset recovery team was reappointed as sole Scottish agents for BMW Financial Services. Rhona Cuthbert heads the practice, which recently recruited senior associate Douglas Blyth from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP.

Within Banking and finance , tier 5

HBJ Gateley’s finance team demonstrates a ‘high knowledge of the banking sector’, and ‘nothing is too much trouble or beyond its range of expertise’. The team was strengthened in 2010 by Alan Shanks’ relocation from the Dubai office, bringing with him ‘great knowledge of the MENA-Caspian markets as well as accuracy and an eye to legal and commercial sensitivities’. Shanks led on a number of multi-jurisdictional financing arrangements for Topaz Energy and Marine Limited. David Kirchin heads the practice.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Gateley is a second tier firm,

HBJ Gateley has ‘built a solid team in the last few years, and is making an impact thanks to its depth of experience’. The firm expanded further in 2010 by recruiting as a partner Jamie McIntosh, formerly a senior associate at Dundas & Wilson CS LLP, who ‘works tirelessly to bring restructurings to conclusion’. Practice head Graeme Henry ‘demonstrates a hunger and drive which is not common among his competitors’.

Within Employment, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s clients include BT, Allianz and DAS Legal Expenses Insurance. The team made several hires, including Kim Pattullo from Shepherd and Wedderburn. Jacqueline McCluskey heads the practice.

Within Health and safety, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s broad client base includes companies in the construction and hotel/leisure sectors. Debbie Milne leads the team, and James Lowe is recognised for his expertise in shipping-related health and safety matters.

Within Personal injury: pursuer, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Claim Solutions LLP specialises in road traffic claims, with the RAC a major client. The group also strengthened its employers and public liability work by recruiting Damian White from Allan McDougall Solicitors. Head of litigation Tony O’Malley is ‘well respected’.

Within Agriculture and estates Agriculture and estates

Within Charities, tier 4

HBJ Gateley represents charities, trustees, 
local authorities and charitable vehicles, on matters including mergers, and incorporation and registration. Practice head Glen Gilson and Douglas Hunter are recommended.

Within Family, Gateley is a third tier firm,

Catherine Karlin heads HBJ Gateley’s family law practice and is a ‘leading light: professional, succinct and a pleasure to deal with’. Family and children law accredited specialist Sara Matheson is well regarded for children’s referral work, and Shona Templeton is also recommended.

Within Personal tax, trusts and executries, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Gateley won a number of new private client instructions in 2010, and leveraged its increasing cross-border capability. Glen Gilson heads the team, and Gordon Cunningham has ‘in-depth knowledge of his field, and an impeccable courtesy and understanding of a client’s needs’.

Within Energy (excluding oil and gas), Gateley is a third tier firm,

Alan Shanks heads the energy practice at HBJ Gateley, which earned new instructions from Scottish Power Renewables, and advised Burcote Wind on the development of land to be used for renewable energy generating stations. Andrew Ley is also recommended.

Within Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow, Gateley is a second tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s commercial property team ‘gets to the heart of problems quickly, with no timewasting’, and is ‘responsive and knowledgeable’. Miles Ede heads the team, which advised IVG on the letting and subsequent sale of Broadway One. Andy Birrell’s ‘attention to detail’ attracts praise from clients.

Within Construction Construction

Within Social housing, Gateley is a first tier firm,

HBJ Gateley’s social housing clients ‘always receive a high level of service’ from Heather Pearson’s team. In 2010, it advised Berwickshire Housing Association on a wind farm development in the Scottish Borders. Kate Dewar is ‘an expert on affordable housing’.

Within Intellectual property Intellectual property

Within IT and telecoms IT and telecoms

Within Sport, Gateley is a third tier firm,

HBJ Gateley has expertise in sports-related litigation. The firm successfully acted for Dunfermline Athletic FC in its appeal against the decision of the Emergency Committee of the SFA to expel the club from the 2009-10 Scottish Cup. Alistair Duff and practice head Simon Catto are recommended.

Within Transport, Gateley is a second tier firm,

HBJ Gateley has niche expertise in shipping and maritime matters. Practice head Ed Watt specialises in the sale, purchase and registration of commercial vessels, while James Lowe has carved a strong reputation in shipping disputes. Clients include Briggs Marine Group and Delta Marine.