Firm Profile > Brodies LLP > Edinburgh, Scotland
Brodies LLP Offices
15 ATHOLL CRESCENT
EDINBURGH
EH3 8HA
Scotland
Brodies LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Known for their ‘can-do attitude and commitment to tight timescales’, the agriculture and estates team at Brodies LLP has particular expertise in negotiating contracts related to complex tenancy arrangements, having acted on behalf of both landlords and tenants. The firm is experienced in advising on high value agricultural land transactions, expertly handling the sale of both portfolios and of entire estates, including those with complexities related to crofting and Udal law. Practice head Clive Phillips is himself the owner of a family farm, while fellow senior partner Odell Milne brings decades of experience to bear. Mike Stephen and Graeme Leith handle forestry mandates, a growing area of activity in Scotland.
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Testimonials
‘The team’s strength lies in the level of expertise, insight, availability and service which then delivers exceptional quality for the client. Brodies are not cheap, but you get top level service from a personable, dedicated and knowledgeable group of professionals. A strong team with an exceptional knowledge of the agricultural and rural market. They work closely with clients and understand the local market very well.’
‘Great sector knowledge and a diverse team if expert involvement is needed.’
‘Brodies manages to combine professionalism and delivery. It has strength in depth across all sectors that my business requires.’
‘The longevity of our relationship is evident with the way we are treated by Brodies, they go out of their way to ensure that we are dealt with quickly and efficiently.’
‘Brodies excels in all aspects of their support in our delivery of major infrastructure schemes. Uniquely, Brodies developed bespoke award winning database software to assist in tracking and notifying landowners.’
‘The agriculture and estates team, led by Odell Milne, has a knowledge of their field second to none and continuously provide first class services in a can do manner with a knowledge of applicable laws of particular strength. A well established practice with access to a wide base of expertise that can be called upon quickly and efficiently.’
‘Alex Buchan stands out given his thorough grasp of the law coupled with its practical application to real life situations – a crucial trait in a complex area. He also possess sound commercial acumen.’
‘Clive Phillips is a senior solicitor yet also a hands-on farmer, allowing practical knowledge and empathy to create a better understanding of client requirements.’
‘Graeme Leith has made a real effort to understand our business and get to know a wide number of staff.’
‘Odell Milne and Scott Logan are extremely friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and approachable. No issue is too great and their can-do attitude and commitment to deadlines – often very demanding – is hugely impressive.’
Key clients
Seafield & Reidhaven Estates
Dunecht Estates
2 Sisters Ltd (owner of 700 poultry farms in the UK).
Farmcare Ltd (part of The Wellcome Trust)
Scottish Woodlands
Marine Harvest/ Cooke Aquaculture
Scottish Land & Estates
Ben Alder Estate
Boralex Europe Sarl
Andrew Graham and Sons
Gladstone Family – Scottish Estates
Innes Estates/Innes Trading Company
Bagger-Sorensen Group
Estate Holdings Pte Limited
Innes Estate/Innes Trading Company Limited
Glen Tanar Estate/Michael Bruce
Savock Biogas Limited
Dallas Estate (Moray)
Valkenhorst Participatie VI BV
Banking and finance Tier 1
Brodies LLP's banking practice continues to grow at a junior level, building on the recent expansion in its senior ranks. The firm acts for a roughly even split of lenders and borrowers, and is known for its strengths in infrastructure finance, renewable energy and finance in the oil and gas sector, real estate finance and corporate acquisition finance. It is also well regarded for its marine finance practice, which is led by Neal Richardson, and handles new construction and vessel acquisition financings around the world. Practice head Bruce Stephen, who has over 20 years of experience, focuses on asset-based lending and receivables financing. Chris Dun is recommended for his investment and development finance expertise. Michael Stoneham heads up the energy and infrastructure practice.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Very commercial and practical team’.
‘Good knowledge of the market’.
‘Willing to forego legalistic battles in order to achieve a commercial outcome’.
‘Good knowledge of the market’.
‘Excellent service and several team members always involved in each transaction ensuring continuity and quick speed of response’.
‘Excellent service from Neal Richardson, always attentive and has a deep understanding of the customers and banks requirements’.
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group/Bank of Scotland Plc
The Royal Bank of Scotland
HSBC Bank Plc
Scottish Enterprise
Shawbrook Bank
Whyte & Mackay
DNB Bank
Ashby Capital LLP
Meallmore Limited
City Facilities Management Holdings (UK) Limited
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Brodies LLP represents a number of the largest charities and non-profit groups operating in Scotland, and has an established relationship as adviser to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The firm advise charities on the full range of potential issues, including employment, corporate structures and commercial matters succession issues, tax planning, disputes, investigations, governance, and property disposals and acquisitions. The firm also has a track record of work advising high-net-worth individuals on the formation of charitable trusts. Brenda Scott, the head of the practice, principally advises on matters related to governance, while Charles Livingstone, a partner in the firm’s government, regulatory and competition practice, acts on contentious matters and advises the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Eric Galbraith has advised a range of charities, trusts and non-profits on their corporate structures, while Martin Sloan provides data protection advice. Lynne Marr chiefly acts for clients in the education sector, while Gill Summers, based in Abderdeen, advises clients in the north of Scotland.
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Testimonials
‘Brodies’ background in regulatory and public sector advice makes it well placed to give bespoke, niche advice suitable to our organisational needs.’
‘Brodies takes the time to get to know its clients in the broadest sense and this is apparent when instructing on individual projects, such as our recent charitable trusts restructure project.’
‘Brodies have a very modern approach to collaborative working and their more relaxed approach is really refreshing. They are very personable and responsive as well as being proactive.’
‘Helen Kidd is very personable and efficient which makes working together a very smooth process. Helen has also been very proactive in taking matters forward and made it easy for us to understand the process and ensure that it has dovetailed in with the work that we have been doing with the Charity Commission in England & Wales.’
Key clients
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
Scottish Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)
Combat Stress
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland
The Governors of Hutcheson’s Educational Trust
Institute & Faculty of Actuaries
Movember
Stone King LLP
Camphill (Rudolf Steiner) Estates Ltd
Scottish Ballet and Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund
Commercial litigation Tier 1
Brodies LLP is a respected player in the commercial litigation market with a broad public and private sector client base, which also benefits from the team's capabilities in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Its workload spans all sectors but recently the team has been particularly active in the construction, manufacturing, IT, energy and oil and gas industries. Tony Jones QC is the key contact for the first mentioned segment. Alongside construction law, he is also known for his expertise in professional negligence, while Iain Rutherford focuses on IT and outsourcing, corporate and energy disputes. He receives regular support from associate and IT dispute specialist Monica Connolly. The practice is jointly led by Stephen Goldie, who is well versed in handling high-value contractual interpretation disputes, and head of the banking and financial services litigation team Joyce Cullen.
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Testimonials
‘Brodies has developed a good relationship with us and a deep understanding of our offshore business. This in turn fosters a good synergy for both sides and enables for an effective collaboration on any disputed matters.‘
‘Brodies provides good litigation and dispute advice in a commercial context and not in a legal vacuum. They compare favorably to other law firms in their ability to debate strategy on how to achieve an acceptable outcome rather than advising on what the contract does or doesn’t say.‘
‘Brodies extensive industry experience has earned them a formidable reputation in the oil and gas sector not only locally but internationally. One of the few law firms we use globally that are conscious and worked hard to assist us to manage cost challenges during the industry down-turn. As a result, they earn my respect and additional follow-on work.‘
‘Brodies really cares about our business and makes us feel valued. Their partnership approach with us, as their client, coupled with their professionalism, reliability and knowledge makes them stand out. I particularly like how they go the extra mile and take the time to explain what complex legal decisions mean and use their knowledge of our industry to steer us with their recommendations.‘
‘Ken MacDonald is a seasoned litigator with a remarkable depth of expertise in the oil and gas sector. He provides commercially focused advice with the breadth and depth of knowledge to deliver solutions that meet our legal needs.‘
‘Iain Rutherford is very bright and able to discuss and debate dispute strategy that takes account of desired commercial outcomes rather than just legal positioning. Not afraid to challenge thinking or take challenge, while delivering advice in an easy-to-understand way that allows for the dispute strategy to take account of the given circumstances.‘
‘Iain Rutherford: Professional whilst remaining “human” and accessible is one of Iain’s many qualities. Iain has the ability to explain complex legal jargon and decisions in a language we can understand and with an injection of humour!‘
Key clients
Aggreko Plc
Whyte and MacKay
Scottish Water Business Stream
CGI IT UK Limited
Edgen Murray Europe Limited
FIM Forest Funds General Partner Ltd
PRA Group (UK) Limited
Moneybarn
Royal & Sun Alliance
WFS Technologies Limited
Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 1
Brodies LLP continues to perform well in emerging sectors of the commercial property industry and has been involved in many recently announced build-to-rent projects. The firm has dedicated practitioners focusing on the investment, development, hotels, retail and leisure, and housebuilding sectors. On the leisure and hospitality side, the team is active in finance, real estate, private equity investment, hotel management agreements, construction, financing and licensing matters. In the retail arena, the practice acts for blue- chip clients on corporate and real estate transactions. Johane Murray is the overall head of the real estate practice. Colin Morrison heads up the hotels and leisure & retail groups. Managing partner Nick Scott continues to provide strategic advice to key clients. James Roscoe is recommended for investment matters, forward funding and development deals, and property finance. Elaine Farquharson-Black joined from Burness Paull LLP, while Graeme Leith was promoted to partner. In other developments, Robert Forman departed for Burges Salmon LLP and Kevin McGlone moved to DWF.Practice head(s):
Johane Murray (Real estate); Colin Morrison (Hospitality, leisure and retail)
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Testimonials
‘They have depth at all levels and are extremely responsive to our needs’.
‘Johane Murray, our client relationship partner, is exceptional’.
‘Johane is in our opinion the leading practitioner in Scotland’.
‘Excellent practical and legal knowledge’.
‘Good relationships with counterparts make for a smooth transaction process’.
‘Johane Murray is very hands-on and hard-working’.
‘The team always respond immediately with great expertise and support’.
‘Colin Morrison is an outstanding individual with all-round skills, having built a superb support team around him’.
Key clients
Drum Property Group
Ediston Real Estate
Knight Property Group
Orion Capital Partners
PGIM
Ashby Capital
Moorfield
Aberdeen City Council
Greenridge Investment Management
AEW
CALA
Accor Hotels/Fairmont
Starwood Capital/Yotel
AJ Capital/Graduate Hotels
Everyman Cinema
Marathon Capital/Bryant Hospitality
Casual Dining Group
Marston’s
Great Century Investors/London & Oriental
The Restaurant Group
The Ivy Restaurant Group
Zara
Sportsdirect.com
New Look
Pandora
Pret a Manger
B&Q
Pull & Bear/Bershka/Stradivarius
Matalan
B&M
Clarks
Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 1
Brodies LLP continues to be active in the build-to-rent sector (BTR) and the emerging retirement and co-living markets. The real estate team works closely with other related departments, including construction, planning, environment, tax and litigation. It is noted for its high level of instructions from government and industry bodies. The team is jointly led by Glasgow-based partner Johane Murray and Tracey Menzies in Aberdeen, who handles commercial and residential acquisitions and developments. Elaine Farquharson-Black joined from Burness Paull LLP.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Highly respected property lawyers and are widely considered to be some of the best in the city.’
‘The level of expertise, good advice and speed of response sets them apart from many other firms in the city.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable and efficient. We receive regular updates in respect of the transactions with which we are involved and someone is always available to take calls or reply to emails.’
‘Office hours do not apply for this team – they are available when ever needed and always go the extra mile to deliver what is demanded.’
‘Nothing is ever a problem and the willingness to get “stuck in ” is fantastic.’
‘Tracey Menzies and her whole team constantly deliver to the highest standard and always present a unified and cooperative front to ensure that what is needed is always provided.’
Key clients
Knight Property Group
University of Aberdeen
Drum Property Group
Brookfield
CALA Homes
GSS Investments
Aberdeen City Council
Great Century
Maven Capital
Robertson Group
Strathmore Hotels
Construction Tier 1
Acting for a wide range of blue-chip clients, developers, contractors and public bodies, Brodies LLP is a regular fixture on key construction projects, including associated transactions, and is equally well versed in handling contentious work. Manus Quigg, David Arnott and team co-head Louise Shiels are key contacts for the latter, while Alistair Mclean heads up the non-contentious construction group. Christopher Duff made partner in May 2019 and has a specialism in construction and engineering disputes.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Brodies has demonstrated increasingly impressive depth in the construction team over the last few years, with a responsiveness and proactiveness which cannot be rivalled in Scotland. Their knowledge of the industry, technical expertise and approachability make them a go-to source of external support.‘
‘A strong team with a wealth of technical expertise. The team does not lose focus on the matters at issue even with the most complex of cases.‘
‘The construction team is very experienced, knowledgeable and has real strength. The team is flexible and provides excellent advice which given their acknowledged expertise is recognised and accepted by almost all. We receive our advice direct from the partners ensuring we get the best advice available.‘
‘Manus Quigg is a safe pair of hands and I would have no hesitation in referring the most complex of matters to him in the knowledge that he will focus on the technical aspects of the case whilst always having his client’s interests at the forefront.’
‘David Arnott is a consummate professional. David has a wealth of experience, an excellent way of demonstrating his view on contractual/ legal matters and provides excellent practical advice.‘
‘Alistair McLean has great experience and provides excellent advice. He is flexible and provides the advice personally rather than via junior staff which leads to a better and more efficient service.‘
Key clients
Drum Property Group
McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd
Aggreko
Robertson Construction Group
Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
Amey OW Limited
Ineos Chemicals Grangemouth Limited
Sacyr UK Limited/ Sacyr Neopul SA
Springfield Properties PLC
Orion Capital Partners
Arnold Clark
Edgen Murray
Maven Capital Partners
Apache Capital Partners
KSL Capital Partners
Heron Bros
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Mark Stewart leads the contentious trusts practice at Brodies LLP, drawing on his experience as the firm’s head of its personal and family team, while Alan Barr, head of the firm’s personal tax planning team, focuses on trust disputes with complex tax issues. Christine O’Neill has significant experience of acting to remove trustees, strike down contested wills, and establish adult incapacity. The practice is well-versed in handling complex disputes concerning the estates of high net worth individuals, and has considerable experience in cases where contested assets are found in multiple jurisdictions. Norman Kennedy and Angela McCulloch, both based in Glasgow, advise wealthy individuals and high-value companies respectively. Susanne Batchelor is adept at handling cases with an international aspect.
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Testimonials
‘Whenever we need advice on Scottish law in the contentious probate and trusts field, our first port of call would be Brodies. They are very user-friendly, responsive and know their stuff.’
‘Susanne Batchelor, ably assisted by Nicola Neal, are real standout individuals in terms of their customer service and knowledge of the law. They are very responsive and keep us informed, which enables us to provide a very joined up answer to our clients where they are providing advice on Scottish law and ourselves on English law.’
‘Brodies LLP are an excellent firm with highly technical lawyers. They are thought of as the leading private client firm in Scotland.’
‘Angela McCulloch is highly organised, very technically able and lovely to deal with.’
Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 1
Brodies LLP handles an impressive range of national and international deals from its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Acting for private and public companies, institutions, high-net-worth individuals and third sector clients, the firm advises on M&A, equity investments, joint ventures, corporate governance and business-critical commercial matters. Shuna Stirling heads the team with experience in a wide variety of sectors including food and drink, manufacturing, healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and real estate. William Mcintosh is recommended for private equity and venture capital matters; Julian Voge has over 30 years’ experience in corporate matters; David Lightbody is also recommended. David Gallagher joined in Glasgow from an in-house role at TC BioPharm.
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Testimonials
‘A good breadth of experience in relevant situations and solutions such that advice and support across the corporate and commercial spectrum is both accurate and efficient’.
‘David Lightbody deals with the majority of corporate support we get: he quickly developed good understanding of our business and has consistently provided accurate advice and support’.
‘Commerciality and pragmatic no nonsense approach’
‘Strengths include their impartial and professional conduct as well as their networking with Scotland and beyond’.
‘Strong expertise in the hotel sector with solid M&A credentials’.
‘The team looking after us from Brodies, is sharp, energetic, extremely hard working, experienced and pragmatic’.
‘David Lightbody is a shining example of what qualities a young partner in a successful law firm should and must have’.
‘We have been delighted by the cohesion amongst departments, the quality of knowledge and speed of reaction and completion of tasks’.
‘The team were extremely responsive and straightforward to deal with’.
‘I was very impressed with every aspect of the service provided by Shuna Stirling and would recommend her to a colleague without hesitation’.
Key clients
Lalique Group SA
D. C. Thomson
Promethan Investments
Simec Atlantis Energy Ltd
Abellio Group
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Water Business Stream
Clyde Blowers Capital IM LLP
Scottish Equity Partners
Borr Drilling
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 1
Brodies LLP leads on cross-border and international deals from its Aberdeen office, handling a range of corporate matters for private and public companies, institutions, high-net-worth individuals and third sector organisations. The firm generates mandates in all industries that are key to the Scottish economy including food and drink, energy, real estate, technology, healthcare and life sciences. Glasgow-based Shuna Stirling heads the team. Douglas Crawford leads on private equity matters, while Tom Boulton-Jones advises on general corporate and corporate real estate. Bryan Wilson joined as partner from an in-house role at Total E&P UK, while Rhona MacFarlane was recently promoted to partner.
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Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable and have the ability to work efficiently across different sectors and between teams’.
‘Always happy to go the extra mile’.
‘Quality, considered advice delivered in a user-friendly way’.
‘The team is very efficient and friendly’.
‘They do their best at all times to resolve any problems that may arise’.
‘My company has dealt with Gill Summers for many years – we have found her to be extremely efficient and knowledgeable’.
‘Brodies has a commercial ethos running through their whole organisation’.
‘Perfect levels of engagement, immediate availability, part of your team at exactly the time when you need their skills the most’.
Key clients
INEOS Upstream/INEOS Commercial Services UK Ltd
Drum Property Group Ltd
Dana Petroleum
John Lawrie Group
Tulloch Homes Group
ROVOP Group
Cooke Aquaculture
Thinkanalytics
ECS Group
Clear Solutions International
Churchill Homes Limited
Maven Capital Partners UK LLP
Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
3rd Momentum Limited
Ocean Blue Quota Company Limited
Monymusk Land Company Limited
Nobel Upstream
Corporate tax Tier 1
Brodies LLP’s tax team is well-placed to serve the needs of high-net-worth individuals, families and their businesses; the practice works closely with members of the personal and family team. Alan Barr and Isobel d’Inverno are the co-heads of the practice. D’Inverno has deep knowledge of land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) and stamp duty land tax (SDLT). Heather Gibson is recommended for her expertise in oil and gas taxation and HMRC excise duty approvals.
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Testimonials
‘Isobel is extremely knowledgeable about tax and very generous with her time on what is not a fee paying matter’.
‘Brodies LLP specializes in Scottish law’.
‘I have been impressed by their teamwork and knowledge’.
‘Isobel D’Inverno is a corporate tax specialist who is firm, knowledgeable and decisive’.
‘Heather Gibson has good knowledge of tax and trust law’.
‘Brodies have a long standing knowledge of our business and aspirations’.
‘We receive pragmatic and commercially focused advice’.
‘We get solutions as well as risks being highlighted’.
Key clients
Capreon funds
Lalique Group SA
Drum Property Group
Omega Diagnostics Group plc
Drum Development Group
Anadna Properties Limited and Cerberus Capital Management
Gresham House plc
FIM Services Limited
The shareholders of Paterson Arran Limited
Dana Petroleum
Moorfield Real Estate Fund III (MREF III)
Janus Henderson
LCN Capital Partners
Crime: fraud Tier 1
Brodies LLP has carved out a strong practice acting for clients from high-risk sectors, such as oil and gas, construction and manufacturing, alongside banking and food and drink sector players, who are faced with allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption. The team led by Paul Marshall provides assistance with financial crime investigations, including those conducted overseas, and also advises on preemptive measures and compliance programmes respectively.
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Testimonials
‘One of leading white-collar teams in Scotland. Go-to destination for major Scottish white-collar work.‘
‘Flexible and pragmatic.‘
‘The team works very well as a unit. Excellent strategic advice, followed up with good tactical approach. All administration and documentation turned around to a very high standard and always within the same day. All supported by highly effective account management.‘
‘Led by Paul Marshall, the team at Brodies team is knowledgeable, extremely well organised and has fantastic attention to detail. Work is well allocated between the team who all have different backgrounds and bring a good skill base. The way in which they provide updates is unlike any other team I instruct. It’s very clear that they know exactly where we are with each point and what is outstanding at any time.‘
‘Paul Marshall is open-minded and interested in new challenges.‘
‘Paul Marshall is highly capable, hardworking and delivers exactly what he says every time. A high integrity individual. Very good advice. Balanced and pragmatic. A real quality adviser. Has delivered excellent advice over a long period of time.‘
‘Paul Marshall is without doubt the leading individual in Scotland in this area. He has far more experience than any other lawyer and this is apparent in his dealings with the regulatory bodies. He is very hands-on and involved with all of the detail. His advice is spot-on. Paul goes above and beyond to assist with queries and to find solutions. I particularly appreciate being able to pick up the phone to him at any time and know that I’ll get a quick and helpful response.‘
‘Paul Marshall is very responsive and rightly has a very strong reputation.‘
‘Paul Marshall combines strong technical expertise with a practical manner, and I would be pleased to refer clients to him.‘
Debt recovery Tier 1
Litigators Iain Rutherford and Stephen Goldie jointly head up the team at Brodies LLP, which received a significant boost with the arrival of consultant Frank Johnstone from Dentons in September 2019. His specialism lies in the motor finance space - an area of expertise that is shared by the wider team and complemented by significant expertise in the consumer credit sector. Clients include banks and other financial institutions, utility companies, motor finance companies and blue-chip clients.
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Testimonials
‘The team’s knowledge of its clients’ business is excellent.‘
‘They are a professional firm of solicitors who provide excellent attention to detail. All cases that we have referred to so far have had a fast turnaround.‘
‘We have not dealt with Brodies for very long, but I’ve been immediately impressed with their levels of dedication, as well as the years of expertise they bring to every case. They are always happy to discuss the nuances of various actions, and guide us through the legal pitfalls. Their partnership values are first class, and I look forward to working with them for a long time to come.‘
‘Frank Johnstone is someone we have worked with for many years, and is the reason we are now working with Brodies. He is a legal oracle for us, and has always given us excellent advice and helped us through many difficult cases.‘
Key clients
Scottish Water Business Stream Limited t/a Business Stream
PRA Group (UK) Ltd
Toyota Financial Services (UK) Plc
Education Tier 1
Brodies LLP acts for an extensive roster of further education and higher education sector clients alongside local authorities and other public sector bodies, who benefit from the firm's wide-ranging education sector expertise. Brenda Scott and William McIntosh are among the key contacts and specialise in sector-specific commercial and corporate work but the group's expertise also extends to employment and immigration law issues, governance, construction and student matters, including associated disputes. In September 2019, Ken Ross joined from Harper Macleod LLP, increasing the practice's bench strength in sector-specific developments and projects.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Brodies has provided an excellent level of support over the past year. They make significant effort to understand our organisation in order to contextualise advice and are proactive in bringing their experience in the sector and with other clients to our attention where relevant.‘
Key clients
Scottish Funding Council
The University of Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University (QMU)
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Dollar Academy
University of St Andrews
The City of Edinburgh Council
Falkirk Council
Merchiston Castle School
East Renfrewshire Council
Employment Tier 1
Brodies LLP's large public, third and private sector client base, including employers and employees, is testimony to its substantial employment law offering, which, in the non-contentious space includes transactional support, advice on IR35 taxation regime changes and senior exits, and, in the contentious arena - where team head Tony Hadden and solicitor advocate Brian Campbell are regular features - the team is well placed to handle a wide range of employment tribunal proceedings and associated investigations, such as those arising from discrimination, unfair dismissal, equal pay and holiday pay claims. Joan Cradden is another key member of the team and has particular finance sector expertise.
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Key clients
Lothian Buses
Argyll and Bute Council
Dana Petroleum Plc
AXIS Capital
M&G Prudential
American Express
ENABLE Scotland
The University of Edinburgh
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Abellio
EU and competition Tier 1
Brodies LLP's team has expertise in a broad range of EU and national competition law matters, including merger control, antitrust compliance and investigations, competition litigation, state aid and public procurement. A distinguishing feature of the firm is that it has a Brussels office, which has made it well-placed to advise on Brexit-related issues. Glasgow-based Charles Livingstone, who heads up the practice, handles contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Christine O’Neill in Edinburgh is renowned for her expertise in procurement litigation; she counts the Scottish government as one of her key clients.
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Testimonials
‘Brodies has an enviable depth of experience in EU and competition law matters.’
‘Brodies has strong litigation capabilities across the Board, with a good mix of senior practitioners and able younger lawyers.’
‘Christine O’Neill is a class act, technically excellent, great client manner, strategic in approach and calm under fire. A very impressive lawyer and the senior litigator you want on your side in Scotland.’
‘Charles Livingstone combines incisive intellectual quality with attention to detail and the willingness to put in the long hours and hard yards for his clients.’
Key clients
Abellio
Banks Renewables Limited
The Scotch Whisky Association
Scottish Water Business Stream
AGS Airports Limited
Aberdeen City Council
Scottish Government
Applied Medical Limited
Highlands & Islands Enterprise
City of Edinburgh Council
Lothian Buses
Accel-KKR
Family Tier 1
The family practice at Brodies LLP has a strong reputation for its work advising separating couples in complex divorce and civil partnership dissolutions, often with cross-border and international aspects. Shaun George, the practice head, is an accredited family law arbitrator and mediator, whose practice is centred on high-value divorce cases with a cross-border element. Richard B Smith is adept at dealing with financial provision where assets are locked into businesses, while Lisa Girdwood focuses on residency and contact arrangements for children, and also has particular experience in child abduction cases. The firm also advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, the rights of non-married but cohabiting partners, and adoption disputes. Jennifer Wilkie is another name to note.
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Testimonials
‘Excellent, pragmatic advice aimed at reaching an agreeable resolution as early as possible.’
‘Brodies have a very experienced team spread geographically – in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. They are one of the leading firms in this area.’
‘This firm has multiple capabilities that are readily available to its clients. Extremely professional front line and support staff. Friendly, empathetic and exceptionally knowledgeable.’
‘Professional, discreet, loyal, honest service by people who care about their clients.’
‘I highly value the advice that Richard B Smith gives. He takes the time to get a clear understanding of the situation at hand in complex cases. This proves invaluable. He responds very quickly to all communications.’
‘Shaun George is calm and sensible – a good manager of his team, allows them to develop skills. Has excellent reputation in alternative dispute resolution, collaboration and mediation.’
Richard Smith is thorough, hard working and caring. Brings on his staff well. Calm and safe pair of hands.’
‘Lisa Girdwood is hard working, caring and knowledgeable.’
‘Richard Smith is a very experienced practitioner. He instils confidence in clients and takes a sensible approach.’
‘Jennifer Wilkie has built up experience particularly in dealing with cases with an international/cross-border element.’
‘Every individual that I have engaged with in this firm have demonstrated a real in-depth knowledge and understanding of the many issues that in my case required to be dealt with.’
‘I was in a very tricky situation and desperately needed advice and reassurance, which is exactly what i received from Richard B Smith. I would not hesitate to recommend Richard or his team in the future.’
Intellectual property Tier 1
The dedicated IP, technology and outsourcing team at Brodies LLP provides advice on contentious and non-contentious IP issues, including regulatory issues, protection work, commercialisation mandates and enforcement matters. It acts for domestic and international companies in the oil and gas, renewables, IT, food and drink, engineering, aviation and pharmaceuticals sectors. Grant Campbell heads up the non-contentious side, whilst the contentious practice is led by Iain Rutherford. David Gallagher joined from an in-house role at TC BioPharm Limited. Robert Buchan retired and senior associate Shona Tennant left for an in-house role at William Grant & Sons Company.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The firm is one of the heavyweights of the contentious IP market in Scotland’.
Key clients
PRS for Music (Performing Right Society)
Scottish Qualifications Authority
DC Thomson
Oil States Inc
University of Edinburgh
Omega Diagnostics Plc
The Judy Murray Foundation
Abellio/Scotrail
Maggies Centres
City Facilities Management Limited
Mallzee
Local government Tier 1
Brodies LLP's multidisciplinary team led by public law specialist Jackie McGuire acts for an extensive roster of city councils, who regularly receive assistance with major infrastructure projects and construction developments, including various planning, procurement, real estate, commercial and environmental matters. Providing day-to-day employment law advice and assistance with contentious matters constitutes another key element of the practice. Senior associate Niall McLean has particular strength in the latter.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘First rate, top of the game in Scotland.‘
‘Niall MacLean and Jackie McGuire are very experienced in their field, providing first-rate output.‘
Key clients
The City of Edinburgh Council
Glasgow City Council
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeenshire Council
West Lothian Council
East Lothian Council
Clackmannanshire Council
Falkirk Council
Stirling Council
Audit Scotland and Accounts Commission
Perth and Kinross Council
East Dunbartonshire Council
West Dunbartonshire Council
West Lothian Council
Argyll and Bute Council
Scottish Borders Council
COSLA
Fife Council
Angus Council
Midlothian Council
Shetlands Islands Council
Wheatley Housing Group (Glasgow City Housing)
Media and entertainment Tier 1
The ‘first class’ media and entertainment practice at Brodies LLP ‘delivers great advice and is proactive in identifying issues’. Acclaimed for its ‘breadth of expertise’, the practice is home to an array of industry expertise, covering arts and culture, sport, technology, social media, music, broadcasting, publishing and gaming. Christine O’Neill, an expert in defamation and reputation management, is praised as ‘the best public lawyer in Scotland’; she leads the department together with the ‘excellent’ Martin Sloan, whose strengths include commercial contracts, licensing, ePrivacy and adtech. The team also excels in respect of media-related M&A, sponsorship and events, pre-publication and broadcast advice and reputation management.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘They deliver great value and advice and are proactive in identifying and solving issues quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of fuss.’
‘Martin Sloan in Edinburgh is excellent. The breadth of his technical knowledge in technology, outsourcing, IP and data privacy is matched by a similarly impressive gasp of the issues’.
‘Brodies has a breadth of expertise and variety of skills in an number of key legal areas. This allows us to have access to all the relevant legal expertise as and when we require it in one place.’
‘Martin Sloan has the right knowledge to support us through complex contacts and ensure we get the right legal cover.’
‘Brodies’ work is of an extremely high standard. They advise on the legal aspects of any particular matter, but they are also extremely commercial in their approach and take time to understand our business, our challenges and think of ways to overcome them’.
‘Truly Scottish in its focus, but international in its outlook. A good breadth of knowledge.’
‘Christine O’Neill is widely regarded as the best public lawyer in Scotland, out of all solicitors, advocates and academics. She is frank; gives clear advice; is courageous and direct when assessing risk; is responsive and enthusiastic; has an outstanding intellect.’
Key clients
BBC Scotland
Channel 4
DC Thomson
TV Squared
STV Group
Wyvex Media
Mallzee
Scottish Ballet
PRS/PPL
Medical negligence: defender Tier 1
Brodies LLP’s ‘reliable and incredibly professional’ team advises many of Scotland’s biggest insurers on the defence of both personal injury and medical negligence claims. The medical negligence practice, led by Duncan Mawby , handles complex claims in areas such as GP negligence, deaths in custody, and medical device implantation. Claims against optometrists are a particular specialism. The personal injury team is particularly active in cases relating to the shipping industry. The arrival of Carly Forrest from BTO Solicitors LLP has further strengthened the group, which is overseen by ‘excellent leader’ Elena Fry. Experienced solicitor advocate Laura McMillan handles both personal injury and medical negligence matters.
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Testimonials
‘Solid team that is well thought of, experienced and has its finger on the pulse when it comes to Scottish matters.’
‘Brodies are a tier one Scottish firm. They have a focus on the local market which has been lost by some of the UK national firms. They have excellent expertise in all areas of law.’
‘Lynn Livesey is a standout associate – good with clients, commercially aware and tactically astute.’
‘Robust but realistic in their approach to cases.’
Key clients
Association of Optometrists
Zurich Insurance
Beazley
RSA
RPC
Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland
Oil and gas Tier 1
Brodies LLP has a strong track record in transformational M&A in the oil and gas sector. It also advises clients on field developments, transportation arrangements and decommissioning. Clare Munro, who leads the team, has over 20 years of experience. Greg May is well regarded for his drilling sector knowledge, while Sonia Love is noted for her FPSO field developments expertise. Rhona McFarlane is renowned for her experience of complex decommissioning matters.
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Testimonials
‘Clare Munro is excellent, she has a deep understanding of the sector with experience to back it up’.
‘Sonia Love is a very experienced and capable oil and gas lawyer with a pragmatic approach’.
‘Brodies’ extensive industry experience has earned them a formidable reputation in the oil and gas sector, not only locally but internationally’.
‘Greg May’s in-house experience is invaluable and helps him deliver exceptional service to his clients’.
‘Excellent team, very knowledgeable in oil & gas, both in the upstream and service sector areas’.
‘Clare Munro is an expert in her field, with many years of energy experience’.
‘Clare Munro has an exceptional ability to pick up complicated issues’.
‘Suzanne Hopkinson is very thorough and has an ability to narrow in on commercial issues’.
Key clients
Chevron Corporation
Spirit Energy
Ithaca Energy UK Ltd
Premier Oil UK Ltd
Dana Petroleum
INEOS Upstream
Transocean Ltd
Shelf Drilling
Japex E&P
Awilco Drilling Plc
Parliamentary and public affairs Tier 1
Known for its prowess on parliamentary and public affairs, Brodies LLP assists a wide range of public, private and third sector clients with legislative drafting, judicial reviews and public inquiries alongside local government and public procurement matters. Led by solicitor advocate Christine O’Neill, the practice is noted for its strong litigation capabilities and is a regular fixture on Brexit and Scottish independence debates. Charles Livingstone is another key member of the team and regularly handles legislative drafting and other parliamentary agent work.
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Testimonials
‘With a long and well-established Scots law practice, Brodies is breaking into the English market with new hires and the ability to leverage the strong relationships they have with clients in Scotland and Northern England.‘
‘Great experience in all matters relating to local authority work, first-class expertise. Top of the game in Scotland.‘
‘I really appreciated the speediness of response to my request, the interest in the topic and the level of detail that was provided.’
‘Brodies has provided an excellent level of support. They make significant effort to understand our organisation in order to contextualise advice and are proactive in bringing their experience in the sector and with other clients to our attention where relevant.‘
‘Charles Livingstone is thorough, diligent and highly intelligent – a winning combination which serves his clients well.‘
‘Jackie McGuire has great experience and judgment in local authority work.‘
‘Christine O’Neill is excellent.‘
Key clients
Royal Incorporation of Hutchesons’ Hospital in the City of Glasgow
Attorney General for Northern Ireland
The Scottish Government
Scotch Whisky Association
Law Society of Scotland
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Gambling Commission
Argyll and Bute Council
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Personal injury: defender Tier 1
Brodies LLP’s ‘reliable and incredibly professional’ team advises many of Scotland’s biggest insurers on the defence of both personal injury and medical negligence claims. The medical negligence practice, led by Duncan Mawby , handles complex claims in areas such as GP negligence, deaths in custody, and medical device implantation. Claims against optometrists are a particular specialism. The personal injury team is particularly active in cases relating to the shipping industry. The arrival of Carly Forrest from BTO Solicitors LLP has further strengthened the group, which is overseen by ‘excellent leader’ Elena Fry. Experienced solicitor advocate Laura McMillan handles both personal injury and medical negligence matters.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Defence marine personal injury is very specialised, and this firm is one of the few firms in Scotland knowledgeable in this area. They are also very helpful to respond to queries and efficient at keeping us advised of case developments.’
‘They really take the time to understand their client’s culture and, just as importantly, adapt to when this changes. Special mention to Elena Fry and Kate Donachie for their approach and their outstanding case and client management abilities.’
‘Brodies are a tier one Scottish firm. They have a focus on the local market which has been lost by some of the UK national firms. They have excellent expertise in all areas of law.‘
‘Elena Fry is one of the best solicitors in the market. She is an excellent leader of her unit, and never lets you down on a case. She has a very commanding presence in the market.’
‘Kate Donachie is dependable and commercial in her approach towards resolving litigation.’
Key clients
Aviva
Zurich Insurance
Abellio Ltd
Babcock International Group
Axis Capital
City Refrigeration Holdings
Cape plc
Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service
Scottish Power Ltd
National Express Group
Enstar/Starstone Underwriting Limited
Sunderland Marine Insurance
North of England P&I Club
Standard P&I Club
Gard P&I Club
Steamship P&I Club
Skuld P&I Club
CalMac Ferries
Northlink Ferries
Subsea 7
Anasuria Operating Company
Somerset Bridge Ltd (formerly Eldon Insurance)
Personal tax, trusts and executries Tier 1
Brodies LLP has a large bench of specialist partners spread across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen; the team advises many of Scotland's wealthiest families, and has notable expertise in the use of family investment companies and family limited partnerships for estate planning. Mark Stewart leads the practice from Aberdeen; he focuses on estate planning, succession planning, tax planning, trusts and executries and is dual-qualified in Scotland and in England and Wales, enabling him to effectively deal with cross-border matters. He works in tandem with personal tax planning head Alan Barr, who is based in Edinburgh. In the Glasgow office, Norman Kennedy is able to draw on his skills as a fully-qualified chartered accountant - he is praised for his 'exceptionally high level of commercial acumen'.
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Testimonials
‘Strength and depth and geographical spread throughout Scotland.’
‘Approachable, friendly and helpful team; there’s always someone there to help. Their level of technical expertise is second to none.’
‘Although Brodies are a large firm, they still have a very personal touch while dealing with me and my clients.’
‘In an Aberdeen context, the team is large, well resourced and experienced. This is in stark contrast to almost all of the local competition. There is access to understanding that means all client circumstances can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. A highly professional experience.’
‘I think this practice is unique insofar that it has some of the best legal expertise in the country. They clearly have great strengths in almost every field and we find that if there is a particular issue which we need to go over then there is always a partner who is really one of the top experts in Scotland.’
‘Norman Kennedy is a lawyer and an accountant and therefore fully understands the financial and legal aspects of client situations. He has an exceptionally high level of commercial acumen.’
‘Leigh Gould is very efficient and demonstrates understanding and pragmatic compassion with my client referrals. She is patient and has been able to add genuine value to clients with proactive advice.’
‘Norman Kennedy stands out insofar that he is a very rare individual who is a partner in a legal firm who is also a qualified chartered accountant. This gives him a unique blend of skills which we find to be excellent in terms of dealing with private client work but also in terms of understanding businesses, in particular entrepreneurial businesses. He has a very good understanding of the business environment and has very good personal skills which enables him to understand individuals, and their families, in terms of how they create wealth through the business which he then helps to protect and enhance.’
Planning Tier 1
With a superb reputation for planning law, Brodies LLP is a regular fixture on key residential, leisure, renewables and infrastructure developments, among others, where the team's assistance covers all aspects of planning law, including compulsory purchases, section 75 planning obligations, judicial reviews and statutory appeals. Its extensive client roster includes public authorities and notable private sector clients. Edinburgh-based Neil Collar, who handles the full spectrum of planning law with a particular focus on renewable energy developments, and Aberdeen-based Elaine Farquharson-Black, who puts particular emphasis on the promotion of land through development plans, and joined the firm from Burness Paull LLP in May 2019, jointly head the practice.
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Testimonials
‘Solid reliable advice and reassuring knowledge.‘
‘Breadth of expertise in planning and in particular land tribunals make Brodies a stand-out firm to go to.‘
‘They all have an excellent awareness of planning matters in Scotland and provide clear, consistent advice to clients.’
‘I’ve known and worked with Brodies on a range of complex planning matters over a number of years and consider them to be one of the leading planning law firms in Scotland. Both collectively and individually they consistently provide clear advice and demonstrate a very thorough knowledge of all aspects of planning law. They are also very good at keeping clients and other consultants informed of emerging legislation changes.‘
‘They are very personable and give great confidence in all dealings. There is a genuine feeling that our business is important to them and they will provide the best advice and, where necessary, go the extra mile in assisting with negotiations and leading discussions with local authorities and other agencies if the client needs that. They instil complete trust and an underlying confidence in all dealings.‘
‘Brodies provides a reliable streamlined service. The team has a depth of knowledge and is able to provide sound advice.‘
‘The team at Brodies is extremely strong, and probably has the top two practicing lawyers in their field in Scotland. They are not only impressive in proving ‘passive’ advice where clients require it, but also lead clients in ensuring they are providing the best possible all-round advice and expertise to maximise the clients requirements.‘
‘Particularly strong team, probably the strongest in Scotland, with Elaine Farquharson Black joining up with Neil Collar.‘
‘Elaine Farquharson Black is a lawyer absolutely at the top of her game, who is equally good at the strategic overview as she is at running the nuts and bolts of a case. Fantastic client base and expertise.‘
‘Elaine Farquharson-Black is outstanding. Down-to-earth, approachable and highly responsive. She has expert knowledge which enables her to provide accurate guidance and advice. She is exceptionally well regarded in her field and this is entirely justified.‘
‘Elaine Farquharson-Black is exceptional. Very client-focussed and impressive expertise in planning and land tribunals. The ‘go-to’ person for my organisation.‘
‘Niel Collar has great knowledge of the law and practice and is a competent advocate.‘
‘Neil Collar has an in-depth knowledge of planning which he brings to bear with authority. His presence is reassuring for a client as he works out strategies and tactics to promote a case. Always measured his often laid-back style is often underestimated by those with opposing views.‘
Key clients
CALA Homes
Stewart Milne Group
Persimmon Homes
Mactaggart & Mickel Homes
Drum Property Group
Ravenscraig Ltd
Energiekontor
The University of Edinburgh
Aberdeen Football Club
Springfield Properties
Professional negligence Tier 1
The 'efficient and exceptionally good value' professional negligence team at Brodies LLP has expertise in defendant work across sectors including real estate and construction. Jointly led by Alan Calvert in Edinburgh and Alisdair Matheson in Glasgow, the team is skilled in handling high-value disputes and claims against professional bodies including other solicitors, with specific capabilities in alternative dispute resolution. Louise Kelso has expertise in acting across a range of sectors such as financial services, construction, and education. Othe key members include experienced associate James Jerman who handles large and often sensitive multi-party disputes for clients.
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Testimonials
‘Competent and efficient. Advice offered was always on point.’
‘One of the leading Scottish insurance law firms.’
‘Attention to detail and strong understanding of the professional indemnity insurance industry.’
‘They are efficient and exceptionally good value for money when compared to English solicitors! They advise on the very different Scottish legal system in a clear, non-patronising way.’
‘Alan Calvert was always ready with an honest answer. He was frank in assessing prospects.’
‘Alan Calvert, Louise Kelso and Alisdair Matheson – all leaders in their field and know how insurers want matters handled.’
‘Alan Calvert is very personable and has good knowledge of his clients and their business area.’
Key clients
RSA
Aviva
Nexus Claims Management Services Limited
Zurich
MS Amlin
XL Axa
Allianz
Arch
Aspen Insurance UK Ltd
Axis
Channel Underwriting
Property litigation Tier 1
Brodies LLP is a respected player in the market and frequently called upon to handle the most prominent real estate litigation cases in the Scottish market. The practice led by Stephen Goldie is a regular fixture on high-value landlord and tenant disputes, including dilapidations and contractual interpretation disputes, and represents clients' interests through the Commercial Court and up to the Supreme Court. Its extensive client portfolio includes property developers, commercial clients, retailers, rural businesses and high-net-worth individuals, among others. Matthew Farrell is noted for his expertise in commercial lease disputes.
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Testimonials
‘They are unique in terms for the quality and depth of advice they provide as a company in comparison to their competitors.’
‘Very high-quality team, up there with the best in Scotland. Two leading individuals and a well trained and highly capable team of solicitors. Pragmatic when they need to be but not afraid of a difficult case.‘
‘Realistic, professional and commercial in their advice and assistance.‘
‘The practice provides impeccable service and unlike many large firms, the seniors are very much involved in your matter.‘
‘The individuals treat you exceptionally well and are genuinely have your best interest at heart. This firm is not about charging fees but resolving a matter in the best option possible.‘
‘The advice they provide is always very well considered and taken from a commercial perspective. The team is very approachable and can explain their advice in straightforward terms.‘
‘Matthew Farrell is an outstanding litigation lawyer, who possesses a great attitude to getting the job done and the correct outcome for his clients which I applaud.‘
‘Matthew Farrell is a first-rate lawyer and really knows his onions. He has particular expertise in dilapidations but is able to cover the full spectrum of property-related disputes. He is great to work with.’
‘Matthew Farrell has provided excellent support to ourselves and our clients. He can be relied upon to react quickly when circumstances dictate and is able to give a balanced view on the strengths and weaknesses of any particular case alongside a firm recommendation of what he believes the best course of action should be.‘
‘Stephen Goldie is highly commercial and tenacious.‘
Key clients
Drum Property Group
Drum REIT
Nuveen (Janus Henderson)
Paccor
Toscaig (Capreon)
APCOA
Ediston
Moorfield Group Limited
M7 Real Estate
Hansteen Property Investments Ltd
Frasers Property
Canmoor
Orion Capital Partners
Co-op
Royal London
Transport Tier 1
Brodies LLP covers the gamut of transport sector work with specialist expertise across the segments shipping, road, rail, aviation and logistics, but the team has been particularly active handling contentious and non-contentious instructions pertaining to rail and road projects. In the rail sector, Roger Cotton is noted for his expertise in rail franchising, while Jackie McGuire is well equipped to clients, including developers, contractors and local authorities, through road and rail regulations; together with Odell Milne, she is also a key contact for compulsory purchase orders. Karen Hamilton handles road and rail infrastructure project-related planning law, while Duncan MacLean is the main contact for shipping and marine sector work.
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Testimonials
‘Brodies excels in all aspects of major infrastructure schemes.‘
‘Their can-do attitude and commitment to tight timescales is thoroughly refreshing and smooths delivery of schemes.‘
‘Odell Milne is extremely friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and approachable. No issue is too great and her can-do attitude and commitment to deadlines – often very demanding – is hugely impressive.‘
Key clients
Abellio ScotRail
Transocean
Ferguson Marine Engineering
Network Rail
Maersk
International Group P&I Clubs (including North of England, Gard, UK, Standard, Britannia, West of England, Steamship, Shipowners and Skuld)
Transport Scotland
Perth and Kinross Council
Aberdeen City Council
Jacobs UK
Associated British Ports
Lerwick Port Authority
Stornoway Port Authority
CalMac Ferries
NorthLink Ferries
Lothian Buses
Agility Logistics
Petroineos
Clydesdale Bank
Bank of Scotland
Energy (excluding oil and gas) Tier 2
The renewables team at Brodies LLP often finds itself at the forefront of developments in the onshore wind, subsidy-free, tidal, hydro and heat sectors. It advises international developers and funders on contract for difference (CfD) projects, subsidy-free onshore wind and solar projects, regulatory matters and power purchase agreements (PPAs). The team is jointly led by Keith Patterson (who focuses on transactional and project finance matters), Kirsty Macpherson and Michael Stoneham. Sarah-Jane McArthur specialises in low carbon energy projects, while managing associate Claire Reid focuses on wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.
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Testimonials
‘Can do attitude. Quick responding, and very knowledgeable.’
‘Great communicators.’
‘Keith Patterson assisted us in the work related to an agreement for the wind farm project and Kirsty MacPherson for the work on land connected to that project and especially the issues of crofting law that were affecting this. Both were a huge help to us and very knowledgeable in their own field, which was invaluable in the complex transaction we were completing.’
Key clients
Banks Renewables
MeyGen
Clydesdale Bank
Orbital Marine Power
GFG Alliance including SIMEC and SIMEC Atlantis Energy
Energy Isles Limited
Guinness Asset Management
Enercon
Scottish Enterprise
Clyde Gateway
Environment Tier 2
Brodies LLP's strength lies in dealing with matters at the intersection of environmental and planning law alongside contaminated land, energy and waste matters. The team is also well placed to provide corporate and commercial support, including assistance with environmental risk assessments and environmental liabilities - both of which are part of practice head Phil Hunter's set of expertise -, alongside environmental permits, lease renewals and regulatory matters. It acts for clients across a range of industries but is best known for its public and energy sector clients, who also benefit from Hunter's experience in environmental warranties and indemnities. Other areas of expertise include compliance and enforcement issues.
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Testimonials
‘Constructive approach aimed at achieving solutions. Very helpful and knowledgeable. Realistic price/quality-offering compared to their competitors, but this business is all about people.‘
‘Their approach is based on experience and “real arguments”. They try to make things work!‘
‘Very competent and experienced team.‘
‘The environment and planning team takes a unique approach to dealing with environmental issues bringing a healthy mixture of innovation and practical implementation.‘
‘Phil Hunter is a skilled, smart and talented environmental lawyer who has his finger on the pulse of environmental law in Scotland. He has been involved heavily in shaping the UKELA responses to Scottish government consultations and has a way of getting things done and cutting to the heart of things.‘
Key clients
Clyde Gateway Developments Limited
Spirit Energy
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Great Century
Scottish Enterprise
North Lanarkshire Council
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Abellio ScotRail
Shetland Islands Council
Historic Environment Scotland
Health Tier 2
Brodies LLP's multidisciplinary team has been particularly active providing public bodies and private nursing care home operators with investment, funding, corporate and transactional advice. It also has a notable regulatory practice, handling judicial reviews, investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and claims against healthcare bodies, among other contentious matters. Team head Jackie McGuire has extensive experience of social care regulations.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Brodies has served our needs during the last few years with great competency.‘
‘Excellent communicators who give wise advice.‘
‘I have been working with Brodies for almost 10 years and I have found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and always prepared to go the extra mile when presented with an enquiry no matter how challenging or complicated. The firm has an extensive knowledge of the public sector in Scotland and is well respected throughout local government and the health sectors.‘
‘Jackie McGuire has considerable experience of Scottish local government in particular and she has given me excellent advice on current topics and challenges as well as putting me in touch with the right people when I have asked her advice on possible speakers for our health & social care events.‘
‘Jackie McGuire is always approachable and has excellent people skills and is well respected amongst her peers.‘
Key clients
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Aortech Biomaterials Plc
WL Gore & Associates
The University of Edinburgh
Mirador Analytics Limited
Care UK Homecare Ltd
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Cross Healthcare Ltd
Balhousie Care Group
Omega Diagnostics Ltd
Welcare Homes
Perth and Kinross Council
Meallmore Care Group
Parklands Care Group
Four Seasons
Health and safety Tier 2
Brodies LLP is particularly active in the fishing and marine industries, advising insurers and their policyholders on investigations following the loss of vessels, alongside serious and fatal accidents, but the practice also receives regular instructions from construction and energy sector clients to assist with HSE investigations and regulatory compliance matters. Elena Fry heads the insurance and risk team and is noted for her criminal and civil litigation capabilities.
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‘The team at Brodies has always shown exceptional professionalism and ensures consistent advice in a timely manner, always ensuring the best support no matter what time of the day. A very personal service.‘
‘Elena Fry is knowledgeable and professional throughout.‘
‘Laura McMillan put everyone at ease as necessary throughout, providing valuable guidance.‘
Key clients
Advance Construction Group
Abellio
City Holdings Ltd
Babcock International Group
National Express Group
Sunderland Marine
North of England P&I
Steamship P&I
Standard P&I
NorthLink Ferries
CalMac Ferries
Zurich Insurance
Subsea 7
Aberdeen City Council
Air Transat
Immigration Tier 2
Brodies LLP made two significant additions to its immigration offering in August 2019 with the hires of experienced partner Elaine McIlroy and senior solicitor Erin McLafferty from Weightmans LLP. McIlroy, who now leads the practice, has a track record of work for clients across sectors including education, financial services, oil and gas and healthcare. The team has also recently been advising clients on the impact of Brexit, drawing on the knowledge of employment specialist Lynne Marr.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘We used the team on a complicated immigration query; they were very reactive to our endless questions and hugely pragmatic in their approach. In addition the fees were very reasonable.’
‘They always understand the business perspective and are able to apply that to the advice they provide.’
‘Elaine McIlroy was very clear about the approach we needed to take. Erin McLafferty managed the day-to-day case and she was excellent. She was very responsive, offered up pragmatic solutions and was just great to work with.’
Key clients
Queen Margaret University
Prudential
Sykes Global Services Ltd
University of Edinburgh
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2
Brodies LLP advises on all aspects of restructuring and insolvency matters across all sectors. The team generates mandates from global corporates, Scottish and UK based groups, and SMEs. Peter Kelly has over 20 years of experience of restructuring matters, mainly acting for banks. Kelly co-heads the practice with Bruce Stephen, who is recommended for specialised insolvency processes involving credit institutions and related Banking Act requirements. Lucy McCann was promoted to partner. Former practice head Rachel Grant left the firm for an in-house position at Manolete Partners.
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‘Brodies are well regarded in the market as a strong, commercial and approachable team. Their technical knowledge is first class and they always provide sensible, commercial advice relevant to each situation.’
‘Shirley Li-Ting is an excellent restructuring lawyer. Shirley combines strong technical skills with good commercial awareness, ensuring that the advice and support provided on engagements is always clear and concise.
‘Shirley Li-Ting has good knowledge of the key insolvency market drivers and is well respected within the Scottish restructuring market.’
Key clients
KPMG LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
Grant Thornton LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
BDO LLP
Aver Corporate Advisory Services Limited
Dunedin Advisory
Tennent Caledonian Breweries UK Limited
Moorfields Advisory Limited
Campbell Dallas
AlixPartners UK LLP
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
French Duncan LLP
Duff & Phelps LLP
Leonard Curtis Business Recovery Limited – Scotland
Deloitte LLP
PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
Johnston Carmichael
Stirling Toner
Investment funds Tier 2
Brodies LLP works closely with City, US and global firms on cross-border arrangements. It also acts as lead counsel on the full spectrum of investment fund vehicles, including investment companies and unit trusts. In addition, the team has expertise in offshore vehicles, such as protected cell companies, classic partnerships and LLPs. Practice head Andrew Akintewe and Karen Fountain are key figures in the team, which counts fund managers, investors, banks, pension funds, insurers and sovereign investors as clients.
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Testimonials
‘Rapid responses to requests for review of private equity LPAs, addressing not just legal issues but giving opinions on commercial terms.’
‘Karen Fountain is first-class, experienced, responsive, commercial, technically outstanding and concise.’
Key clients
Gresham House Asset Management / FIM
Helios Underwriting and HIPCC
City of London Club
State General Reserve of Oman
MSCI Inc.
North East Scotland Pension Fund
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Promethean Investments LLP
Hermes Real Estate
Arjun Infrastructure Partners
Ropes & Gray LLP
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
TPG Europe LLP
University of Edinburgh
Grosvenor Estates
IT and telecoms Tier 2
Brodies LLP is regularly instructed by magic circle and leading US firms to advise on the Scottish law elements of global projects and to advise multi-national companies on Scottish projects. Areas of focus include data protection projects, outsourcings, telecoms issues and new technology mandates. The team is also active in contentious IT matters, and has a strong focus on the financial services sector; it also has expertise in the public, energy, aviation and defence sectors. Martin Sloan co-heads the team and is recommended for financial services technology procurement mandates. Grant Campbell also heads up the team, and David Gallagher joined from an in-house role at TC BioPharm.
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Testimonials
‘They have a great array of expertise for us to drawn upon as well robust procedures and attention to detail’.
‘They welcome dialogue to explore our needs and how best they can support us – offering a tailored service which fits our needs’.
‘Martin Sloan is reliable, highly professional and cognisant of our evolving needs’.
‘Martin Sloan communicates clearly on what are often complex legal matters and provides a sound, knowledgeable and trustworthy practice’.
‘Brodies is unique in that they understand and contribute to commercial as well as legal issues’.
‘They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they are able to share in a straight forward way which facilitates a better outcome all round’.
‘Grant Campbell has specific expertise in GDPR and FOI which has been very helpful’.
‘Excellent response times, attention to detail and willingness to help’.
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Investments
CGI
Capgemini UK plc
Docusign
Nucleus Financial
TV Squared
Abellio
City Group
Rewards 4 Group
DC Thomson
Mallzee
Pensions Tier 2
Brodies LLP has recently been particularly active advising trustees and companies from the manufacturing, engineering, financial services and public sectors on pensions matters pertaining to transactions, restructurings and projects with the aim to de-risk defined benefit pension schemes and, on the defined contribution side, to move existing schemes over to master trust arrangements. Juliet Bayne heads the practice and provides advice on the full spectrum of pension law.
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Testimonials
‘They are attentive and responsive to our needs as a client and I find their advice practical and sound. They are effective in their communication internally and with us as a client.‘
‘The Brodies pension team provides an excellent balance of technical knowledge and practical common sense advice and the team is structured in such a way that an appropriate individual is always available when required.‘
‘Clear and comprehensive advice is provided efficiently.‘
‘Very knowledgeable about local government pension regulations. Gives good practical advice. Very quick to respond.‘
‘Brodies’ pension team is highly regarded by professional pension trustees who value their knowledge and approachability.‘
‘Very capable and diverse firm with exceptional legal knowledge.‘
‘The team is direct with their advice and also earn the trust and respect of both professional and lay trustees very rapidly. They have an exceptional level of commitment to their clients in my view.‘
‘Under the leadership of Juliet Bayne they get to the point and then amplify what needs amplified later. They thus provide proper leadership on legal matters to me and my fellow trustees. They take ownership and stand behind the advice they provide.‘
‘Juliet Bayne is an experienced pensions lawyer.‘
‘Juliet Bayne sets the standard and the style of their business.‘
‘Juliet Bayne displays an excellent understanding of clients’ situations, and has used her deep knowledge of the pensions landscape to help them navigate a number of potentially challenging situations to a successful conclusion. Her collaborative approach over the long term results in a great deal of trust being built up with her clients and the advisers she works alongside.‘
‘Juliet Bayne is very professional but also very personable and a team player who interacts well with other advisers. Juliet clearly has in-depth pensions expertise.‘
‘Juliet Bayne is always a pleasure to deal with, intelligent, knowledgeable and practical, with very strong communication skills.‘
Key clients
Menzies Pension Fund (Trustees of the John Menzies plc defined benefit pension fund)
Spirit Energy
BPI Pension Trustees Limited (Trustee of the British Polythene Pension Scheme)
Trustees of the Howden Group Pension Plan
Trustees of the Moorbrook Textiles Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme
Aberdeen City Council
Intel Corporation
Trustees of the Aon McMillen Ltd Retirement Benefits Scheme
Trustee of the Gates UK Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Clyde Bergemann Power Group Pension Scheme
Projects Tier 2
Brodies LLP handles a broad spectrum of projects work, which sees the firm draw upon its strengths in areas such as project finance, procurement and construction. Its team is well regarded for its public law, finance and project delivery skills. The practice generates mandates in the transport, social accommodation, district heating and energy from waste industries. Drysdale Graham and Michael Stoneham co-head the group. Senior associate Stuart Murray is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Brodies strengths include, experience, relationships, depth of knowledge across many different business sectors, and response times’.
‘The individuals and relationships currently held with Brodies are extremely proficient, professional, knowledgeable and personable’.
‘The team is professional and diligent’.
‘The team has effective skills at communicating and disseminating information and advice into meaningful and understandable language’.
‘Drysdale Graham is an effective leader and critical friend to our business’.
‘Stuart Murray is motivated and highly diligent in the advice and services provided’.
Key clients
Hub South East Limited
Clyde Gateway Developments Limited
Indaver NV
Midlothian Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Aberdeen City Council
Abellio
Scottish Futures Trust
Aberdeen Standard
Oribtal Marine Power
Sport Tier 3
At Brodies LLP, the team’s core strengths lie in sports-related commercial contracts such as software, services and venue agreements. Its key areas of focus are primarily football and tennis, though the group also holds distinguished expertise in e-sports and third sector sports. Andy Nolan leads the practice, which is also engaged for IP licensing, transactional and sponsorship matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
OPG – 4 Limited
Scotcomms Technology Group Ltd
Rewards 4 Group
Brodies LLP
PSP Media Group
Perfect Memorabilia Limited
Little Kerse Leisure Limited (trading as Galaxy Sports)
Aberdeen Football Club
Brodies LLP > Firm Profile
Brodies LLP is the largest independent law firm in Scotland, delivering legal services of the highest quality to Scottish, UK and global organisations. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dingwall and Brussels, the firm offers legal advice to private and public sector clients both in the UK and internationally in its core business areas of corporate and commercial; energy (both renewables and oil & gas); property; litigation; banking and financial services; employment, pensions and benefits; personal and family and tax.
The firm: With a talent bank of lawyers that includes some of the UK’s foremost legal experts, Brodies provides specialist expertise from commercial contracts to government regulation. Such expertise is not limited solely to Scottish jurisdictional work. The capability to undertake complex cross-border transactions is strengthened by Brodies’ active membership of European and global legal networks, and its international strategic legal partnership with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI). Brodies has a headcount of more than 660, and in the past year has made two partner hires and five partner promotions, strengthening its teams in corporate and commercial; real estate; energy and infrastructure; personal and family; business disputes and asset recovery; insurance and risk; and commercial services. In the past year Brodies has been named Legal 500 Scotland Regional Firm of the Year 2018 and Scotland Law Firm of the Year at the Who’s Who Legal Awards .
Types of work undertaken: Corporate and commercial: the team advises corporates, public bodies and business owners, and has exceptional credentials across a broad range of specialisms – private equity; general M&A; cross-border transactions; regulation and government work; public/private partnerships and projects; funds; and IP, IT and outsourcing. There is also a strong corporate tax offering, with particular expertise in VAT and SDLT.
Banking and finance: distinguished by its strong sector coverage, Brodies has significant in-house experience with large financial institutions, dealing with complex transactions, new product development, legal risk management and regulatory compliance. It is active in and takes a market dominant position in each of energy/renewables, infrastructure, real estate including social housing and care home development finance, shipping and funds finance.
Real estate: Brodies has the largest, most diversely skilled and highest rated department in Scotland, with specialists who operate in every sector of the property market. Expertise includes: investment and finance; commercial; residential and mixed-use development; out-of-town and high-street retail; leisure; hotels; licensing; agriculture and estates; land diversification; urban regeneration and construction; outsourcing projects; and property litigation.
Dispute Resolution: the firm has one of the largest teams in Scotland. Brodies has six solicitor advocates, all appearing regularly in the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland. Specialisms include commercial and contractual disputes; health and safety; compliance; insurance; professional negligence; personal injury; risk management; intellectual property and IT disputes; and property litigation. Brodies also has an outstanding public law team, with wide experience of parliamentary, local authority, freedom of information and human rights issues.
Employment: as one of the largest teams in Scotland, Brodies’ employment department is widely regarded as a market leader, with a reputation for responsive, targeted advice, delivered with superb client focus. With an integrated, specialist employee benefits and pensions function, the department assists HR and in-house legal teams across the UK, offering specialist advice in employment tribunal litigation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, contract and policy development, as well as guidance on pension issues and employee rewards.
Personal and family: the firm’s personal team is highly respected for its core work in estate planning; wills; trusts; tax; asset protection; charities and executries; as well as ground-breaking innovations such as developing (Scottish) family limited partnerships. The team of specialist family lawyers provide advice on all legal matters relating to relationship breakdowns, including division of assets on divorce and separation, financial planning in connection with relationships, and issues involving children (including child support, relocation and international child abduction).
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Chairman | Christine O'Neill | ||
Managing partner | Nick Scott | ||
Land and rural business | Clive Phillips | ||
Banking and finance | Bruce Stephen | ||
Banking and finance | Peter Kelly | ||
Banking and finance | Neal Richardson | ||
Charities | Alan Eccles | ||
Charities | Brenda Scott | ||
Commercial litigation | Joyce Cullen | ||
Commercial litigation | Stephen Goldie | ||
EU and Competition | Charles Livingstone | ||
Construction | Manus Quigg | ||
Corporate | Shuna Stirling | ||
Corporate | Julian Voge | ||
Commercial services | Grant Campbell | ||
Commercial services | Roger Cotton | ||
Crime: Fraud | Paul Marshall | ||
Debt recovery | Stephen Goldie | ||
Debt recovery | Iain Rutherford | ||
Education | Brenda Scott | ||
Employment | Tony Hadden | ||
Employment | Joan Cradden | ||
Pensions | Juliet Bayne | ||
Employee incentives | Nigel Watson | ||
Energy and infrastructure | Clare Munro | ||
Renewables | Keith Patterson | ||
Renewables | Kirsty Macpherson | ||
Family | Shaun George | ||
Health | Jackie McGuire | ||
Health and safety | Elena Fry | ||
IP | Robert Buchan | ||
Medical negligence (defender) | Duncan Mawby | ||
Media and entertainment | Martin Sloan | ||
Oil and gas | Clare Munro | ||
Oil and gas | Greg May | ||
Personal injury (defender) | Elena Fry | ||
Planning and environment | Neil Collar | ||
Planning and environment | Phil Hunter | ||
Private client | Alan Barr | ||
Private client | Susanne Batchelor | ||
Private client | Mark Stewart | ||
Property litigation | Stephen Goldie | ||
Parliamentary and public affairs | Christine O'Neill | ||
Local government | Jackie McGuire | ||
Procurement | Roger Cotton | ||
Real estate | Johane Murray | ||
Shipping | Duncan MacLean | ||
Sport | Andy Nolan | ||
Tax | Alan Barr | ||
Tax | Isobel d'Inverno | ||
Technology and outsourcing | Grant Campbell | ||
Technology and outsourcing | Martin Sloan | ||
Transport | Karen Hamilton | ||
Transport | Roger Cotton |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Helen Abrams | Helen has over considerable experience in commercial property work and has been… | View Profile |
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Andrew Akintewe | Andrew specialises in corporate finance and investment funds work. He has extensive… | View Profile |
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David Arnott | Partner with 25 years’ experience resolving construction, infrastructure and engineering disputes. In… | View Profile |
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Alan Barr | Partner specialising in all areas of trusts, tax, succession and related matters,… | View Profile |
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Susanne Batchelor | Partner in the personal and family team. highly experienced dealing with a… | View Profile |
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Juliet Bayne | Partner specialising in pensions law; advising trustees and employers on all aspects… | View Profile |
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Robert Buchan | Robert has extensive experience in dealing with and resolving all types of… | View Profile |
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Alex Buchan | Alex is a partner in the land and rural business team acting… | View Profile |
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Alan Calvert | The head of Brodies’ professional negligence grouping, Alan specialises in claims involving… | View Profile |
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Grant Campbell | Partner and head of the firm’s commercial and specialist services group; an… | View Profile |
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Mr Scott Cochrane | Partner in the family law team, advising on all areas of family… | View Profile |
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Neil Collar | Partner. Accredited specialist in planning law. Consistently rated as one of Scotland’s… | View Profile |
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Roger Cotton | Partner in the commercial specialist services team, Roger is an experienced commercial… | View Profile |
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Joyce Cullen | Partner; solicitor-advocate specialising in commercial litigation and employment law; accredited by the… | View Profile |
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Laurence Douglas | Partner in Brodies real estate team, with experience across a wide range… | View Profile |
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Christopher Duff | View Profile | |
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Karen Fountain | Karen is a corporate and funds partner with extensive experience across the… | View Profile |
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Stephen Goldie | Stephen is head of Brodies’ litigation department and has 17 years’ experience… | View Profile |
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Mr Drysdale Graham | A corporate lawyer with many years transactional experience in joint ventures, M&A… | View Profile |
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Tony Hadden | Partner and head of the employment team with experience across all areas… | View Profile |
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Philip Hunter | Phil is a partner based in the real estate department. Qualified in… | View Profile |
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Tony Jones QC | Tony is one of only five civil solicitor advocates in Scotland to… | View Profile |
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Louise Kelso | A highly experienced litigator, Louise has acted for insurers, loss adjusters, brokers,… | View Profile |
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Alan Knowles | Partner advising banks and corporate clients on a range of domestic and… | View Profile |
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Graeme Leith | Partner – particular expertise in forestry and development options … | View Profile |
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David Lightbody | David is a transactional lawyer advising on share/asset sales and purchases, private… | View Profile |
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Duncan MacLean | Lead partner in the team with over 25 years of experience and… | View Profile |
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Tanya MacLeod | Tanya is a partner in the real estate department and has a… | View Profile |
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Marion Macinnes | Banking, restructuring, insolvency. Position Partner specialising in all aspects of transactional banking… | View Profile |
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Kirsty Macpherson | Partner and co-head of renewable energy group, dealing with hydro-schemes, windfarms, biomass… | View Profile |
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Lynne Marr | Lynne specialises in contentious employment law, appearing regularly in employment tribunals in… | View Profile |
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Paul Marshall | Partner and co-head of Brodies’s business ethics team. Advises clients operating in… | View Profile |
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Duncan Mawby | Partner | View Profile |
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Lucy McCann | Partner | View Profile |
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Chris McDaid | Partner in the real estate department, experienced in the sale and acquisition… | View Profile |
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Jackie McGuire | Partner and Head of Brodies’ Public Law and Regulatory Division and its… | View Profile |
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Paul McLaughlin | Partner. Paul has developed a specialism over the last 10 years in… | View Profile |
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Laura McMillan | Partner | View Profile |
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William Mcintosh | Corporate partner at Brodies. Winner of ‘Corporate Lawyer of the Year’ at… | View Profile |
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Alistair Mclean | Alistair is head of the firm’s non-contentious construction and engineering group. He… | View Profile |
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Odell Milne | Partner in the firm’s land and rural business team. Accredited as a… | View Profile |
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Colin Morrison | Partner in Brodies’ real estate team. Head of retail and head of… | View Profile |
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Christine O’Neill | Recognised specialist in constitutional and administrative law litigation. Chairman and partner in… | View Profile |
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Keith Patterson | Head of projects group. Keith advises developers, funders and the public sector… | View Profile |
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James Roscoe | Partner specialising in secured lending and investment purchases and sales for UK… | View Profile |
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Brenda Scott | Partner in the firm’s corporate department; advising clients on acquisitions and disposals… | View Profile |
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Nick Scott | Managing Partner. Specialises in development projects and investment acquisition for UK and… | View Profile |
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Louise Shiels | Louise has extensive experience in adivsing public sector bodies, employers and main… | View Profile |
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Martin Sloan | Partner with more than 10 years’ experience specialising in technology, outsourcing, intellectual… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard B Smith | Partner in Family Law Team at Brodies LLP. Accredited Family Specialist. Trained… | View Profile |
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Bruce Stephen | Head of banking and finance dealing with all aspects of banking and… | View Profile |
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Mike Stephen | Partner specialising in investment and development work with particular focus on residential… | View Profile |
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Michael Stoneham | Partner specialising in commercial banking and project finance transactions in all sectors,… | View Profile |
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Heather Thompson | Partner | View Profile |
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Julian Voge | Corporate partner, Julian deals with all aspects of corporate and commercial law,… | View Profile |
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Nigel Watson | Partner advising companies and owner managed businesses on everything to do with… | View Profile |
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Richard Whyte | View Profile | |
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Isobel d’Inverno | Director of corporate tax at Brodies, Isobel advises on the corporate tax,… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 103 :Disputes Yearbook 2020
Briefing
Seeing litigation through many lenses (https://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/analysis/disputes-yearbook-2020/sponsored-briefing-seeing-litigation-through-many-lenses/)
Stephen Goldie discusses Brodies’ growing litigation practice and the increasing popularity of ADR
Legal Briefings
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Robust action proposed to improve protection for whistleblowers
Efforts to provide more protection and encouragement to whistleblowers in the UK have taken a significant step forward this year – a stark reminder that now is the time for businesses to review their own procedures and policies. -
The future of mediation in Scottish civil justice
Over the past year, the appetite to make changes to the Scottish civil justice system has increased, particularly in the case of mediation. Although at an early stage, there are various legislative reforms being proposed that give mediation a more prominent position in all civil litigation matters. But what exactly are these proposed changes, and … -
Use of electronic signatures
With COVID-19 leading to many people working remotely, organisations need to think about how documents and contracts can be signed and concluded. While some projects will slow or stall, many routine contracts will be up for renewal in the next few months, and other transactions will be due to complete. The logistics of signing in … -
Class actions in the UK: preparing for a changing landscape
If you were asked to name a well-known example of a class action, the first one to spring to mind might be Hollywood’s Erin Brockovich, based on the true story of a Californian community that claimed for damages against an energy corporation for suspected groundwater contamination, and secured a multi-million-dollar settlement. Although the likes of … -
Cybercrime: tackling the many faces of a growing threat
2020 tested the resilience of organisations in ways that were unprecedented and, with further restrictions on movement imposed at the start of the new year, continued disruption seems inevitable for the foreseeable future. For many, continued homeworking – and the challenges that brings – is likely to be an everyday feature of life for some …
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Agriculture and estates
- Banking and finance
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Commercial litigation
- Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland
- Construction
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland
- Corporate tax
- Crime: fraud
- Debt recovery
- Education
- Employment
- EU and competition
- Family
- Employment
- Intellectual property
- Local government
- Media and entertainment
- Medical negligence: defender
- Oil and gas
- Parliamentary and public affairs
- Personal injury: defender
- Personal tax, trusts and executries
- Planning
- Professional negligence
- Property litigation
- Transport