Complex health and safety cases form the cornerstone of the practice at BTO Solicitors LLP, with the team covering the gamut of mobility matters, especially with regard to elderly drivers. The firm also regularly handles sensitive cases involving culpable homicide allegations, domestic and sexual abuse cases, and financial misconduct claims, as well as a growing stream of malicious prosecutions and allegations against the Crown. Team head Vikki Watt has a practice that sits across both criminal and regulatory crime matters. The ‘outstanding’ Alasdair Gillies is noted as a ’knowledgeable, reassuring, confident’ practitioner with ‘an immense depth of experience’, and has the ability to handle his own advocacy, particularly in serious road traffic cases. Promoted to partner in 2023, Lindsay MacNeill leverages previous in-house experience at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to guide clients through criminal proceedings, while Amy Anderson specialises in health and safety and regulatory prosecutions. Neil Macdonald is also a key name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very thorough and professional approach; attention to detail by Alasdair Gillies is excellent; good rapport with client and supportive.'
‘Alasdair Gillies was my principle lawyer. His interpersonal skills were second to none and his attention to detail was excellent. I would have zero reservations recommending Alasdair to others, his work ethic and correspondence was impeccable.’
‘BTO go the extra mile. They have a strong team, delivering strong thoughtful representation. BTO are hard-working and responsive, and provide great client care. Top notch throughout.'
‘Alasdair Gilles is outstanding. He is knowledgeable, reassuring, confident and has an immense depth of experience - and is always available! I am constantly impressed by the way in which he explains issues in simple and clear terms. I find his professionalism, advice and conduct to be exceptional.’
‘Vikki Watt is a highly experienced, knowledgeable and confident partner. Clients have great confidence in her ability and place their trust her. She is down to earth and able to deal with people in stressful situations in a compassionate way whilst remaining entirely focused on the issues of the case.'
Key clients
- Scottish Police Federation
- AIG
- RSA
- NFUM
Work highlights
- Acting for a company director charged as an individual with the most serious offence open to the Crown in a health and safety case; culpable homicide, in addition to a breach of s.3 of the health and safety at work etc. act causing the death and three other road traffic offences following a fatal road traffic collision in Rutherglen in May 2016.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Vikki Watt
Other key lawyers
Alasdair Gillies; Lindsay MacNeill; Amy Anderson; Neil Macdonald