Iain Rutherford > Brodies LLP > Glasgow, Scotland > Lawyer Profile

Praised by clients for its ‘excellent‘ sector knowledge and ‘first-class‘ performance, Brodies LLP‘s interdisciplinary IT and IP practice handles a significant volume of private equity-driven tech transactions and supplier-side cross-border disputes. In recent months, the team has been increasingly active on telecoms sector mandates–ranging from fibre network installations to cyber defence reviews–an area in which practice co-chair Martin Sloan is an anchoring presence. Practice co-chair Grant Campbell specialises in non-contentious technology, outsourcing, and data protection work, with recent engagements including corporate joint ventures and master service agreement reviews. The Glasgow-based Iain Rutherford spearhead’s the group’s contentious offering, leading IT and outsourcing disputes, both for customers and suppliers. Martin Ewan, who joined the Aberdeen office from Pinsent Masons LLP in May 2021, is noted for his energy sector expertise. All named lawyers are based in Edinburgh unless stated otherwise.

Based out of Edinburgh, Brodies LLP‘s litigation practice has strength in depth, fielding a large team which has been bolstered by several internal promotions and lateral hires including Gareth Hale from Dentons and Craig Watt who was elevated to the partnership. The team stands out for its expertise in the energy, construction and IT sectors with practice head Iain Rutherford being the contact for IP/IT mandates. Co-head Stephen Goldie acts on high-value contractual disputes and is supported by a strong bench of partners including experienced litigator Jared Oyston who has appeared before the High Court and Supreme Court; he is recommended for energy- and insolvency-related disputes. Highlighted for its ‘measured and sound advice’, the group also has expertise in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) work, handling both domestic and international mediation. In Aberdeen, Kenneth MacDonald leads the firm-wide international arbitration practice and has a strong track record in handling complex disputes for corporates. Senior associate Monica Connolly specialises in IP and tech disputes. Elsewhere, Tony Jones KC and Joyce Cullen continue to be preeminent practitioners.

Brodies LLP is routinely engaged by a stellar roster of high-profile domestic and international corporate clients spanning the worlds of life sciences, energy, electronics, and other consumer goods. Grant Campbell spearheads the firm’s intellectual property, technology, and outsourcing practice, handling a wealth of transactions and advisory mandates, most recently in the agritech sector. IT and IP disputes chair Iain Rutherford is a prolific litigator who routinely works on cross-jurisdictional cases across a number of industries, ranging from energy to food and beverages. Martin Sloan is an experienced advisor regarding open source and cloud-based software development matters, while in Glasgow, David Gallagher works primarily with fast-growth companies in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. Senior Associate Monica Connolly frequently represents various corporate entities in the commercial court and Court of Session, while Jennifer Murphy’s experience is concentrated in brand rights and IP strategy. Cara McGlynn has since left the practice for CMS. All named lawyers are based in Edinburgh unless stated otherwise.

The debt recovery practice at Brodies LLP exhibits ‘exceptional legal knowledge’ and has a track record acting in advising on high-value banking litigation and handling motor finance matters, complemented by its volume debt recovery group. Jointly managed by seasoned litigators Iain Rutherford, Stephen Goldie and managing associate Marianne Griffin, the team has experience of acting for banks, financial services sector clients, utility companies and motor finance companies across the full gamut of matters. Frank Johnstone specialises in consumer credit matters. At the associate level, Craig Donnelly is active in contentious matters, particularly contract disputes.