‘Calm. Measured. Well informed. Always a step ahead of the game. Aware of all pitfalls and challenges. Well connected and totally on top of everything that’s happening in terms of changes in law and governance.’

‘A very good team, with real depth and expertise.’

‘Brodies’ planning team are our most trusted advisers on all matters relating to renewable energy and planning consents.’

‘Their insight, expertise, experience and strategic approach have proved invaluable to us on numerous occasions and they are a key factor in the strength and success of our work.’

‘Brodies have a myriad of experts within their team that can be called upon to give specific advice on a certain area. We cannot recommend Brodies LLP highly enough, they are worth their weight in gold.’

‘Karen Hamilton is excellent. Has a great ability to pick apart a complicated case into manageable parts. She has superb communication skills, understands her client’s needs and offers pragmatic and considered advice.’

‘Neil Collar’s calm, patient and thoughtful manner underpinned by a razor-sharp legal mind make him a joy to work with. He really stands out for his ability to explain the most complex of legal matters, sees the underlying issues and offers insightful solutions.’

‘Neil Collar and Elaine Farqharson Black are both superstars in terms of the Scottish planning world, and to find them both in the same firm is a real result. They both combine encyclopedic knowledge and years of experience, and provide a first-class service to clients.’

‘The team has a breadth of knowledge and experience which can be accessed when required.’

‘They are an incredibly talented, driven and friendly team who will always go the extra mile for clients.’

‘Sarah Baillie is uniquely qualified in Scotland as a specialist in planning law accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and as a chartered town planner with corporate membership of the RTPI.’

‘Sarah Baillie is widely experienced in planning law and practice and in related areas such as compulsory purchase.’

‘Sarah Baillie works effectively in a team to produce the desired outcome. This is done in a relaxed manner which inspires client confidence.’

‘Sarah Baillie looks for and identifies solutions before there are problems. She is quite simply very effective.’

‘Strong understanding of the offshore wind industry in Scotland.’

‘Strong planning team with particular expertise on appeals.’

‘Great expertise north and south of the border, and has the ability to service clients whose interests cover both.’

‘Excellent at helping set and address the planning case to meet clients’ requirements.’

‘Craig Whelton is exceptional in terms of knowledge, tactical nous and experience. Great judgement on merits, both practical and legal.’

‘Craig Whelton has an in depth knowledge of Scottish planning law and his knowledge of the appeal system is particularly strong.’

‘Craig Whelton is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated.’

‘Craig Whelton is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.’

‘Friendly, approachable, prompt and knowledgeable.’

‘Easy to speak with, with a good ability to explain things in a way that is easy to understand. All members are approachable and knowledgeable and provide sound advice.’

‘A very well-resourced team with a good breadth and depth of knowledge. Quick to respond to unexpected scenarios.’

‘The planning team have a good ability to simplify complex matters and will offer clear advice which looks to resolve matters in the most efficient manner.’

‘Well led by Alasdair Sutherland, who has a calm approach to the issues he is required to face. He has a great talent for taking the heat out of a client’s often exasperated position by adopting a level-headed approach to the issue at hand.’

‘Both Alasdair Sutherland and Emma Dewar have provided excellent guidance across a wide spectrum of instructions, from planning enforcement notices and challenges to planning appeals, Section 75 and unilateral agreements.’

‘Emma Dewar is highly competent and experienced.’

‘Steven Stuart is a strong member of the Burness Paull team and has proved himself very capable working alongside our planning consultants.’

‘Clear & prompt communication. Directed to the key person to deal with from the beginning.’

‘Approach to billing and relationship with us as a client was spelled out clearly from the beginning.’

‘Jacqueline Cook: Straight talking, action orientated and it was clear she knew her subject matter well.’

‘Jacqueline Cook delivered when she said she would and was patient with us to outline options open to us. Would definitely recommend her in the future.’

‘Experienced solicitors with wide-ranging knowledge and a good feel for the bigger picture.’

‘The importance given to addressing exactly the client’s brief, the quality and relevant experience of skilled staff and the motivation of all staff was clear to me as client such that I have rarely experienced such a high quality of service.’

‘Jennifer Jack: I have rarely come across a more effective leader and knowledgeable lawyer.’

‘Not only does Jennifer Jack possess the sharpest legal mind, but she also understands where we needed to be pragmatic in order to achieve the best possible outcome.’

‘I have no doubt whatsoever that our success was predominantly because of Jennifer’s significant legal knowledge and her ability to interpret how best to deploy our arguments.’

‘Very good people – friendly, forward thinking, always willing to provide some initial informal advice to help progress matters.’

‘The planning team at Shoosmiths are all extremely friendly and relatable, which, partnered with their knowledge of planning law and associated processes, is a fantastic attribute for working with.’

‘Shoosmiths have an extra edge in pairing the soft skills alongside the technical.’

‘Always responsive, friendly, approachable and technically astute, whilst having an eye on strategic matters at the same time.’