Addleshaw Goddard assembles a robust commercial litigation offering, with capabilities spanning disputes arising out of the energy, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The team handles a steady stream of litigation at all levels of the Scottish court system as well as international arbitrations and cross-border disputes. Practice head Simon Catto has deep experience acting on contractual, procurement, and insolvency litigation. Disputes arising out of the energy sector form the core of Ryan Openshaw‘s practice. Kirsten Thompson leads the team’s professional negligence offering, while Hannah Brown has amassed considerable experience advising on public procurement disputes. Claire Thornber and Alan Sinclair left the firm in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Key clients
- Department for Business and Trade (UK Government)
- Aberdeen City Council
- Aberdeenshire Council
- Moray Council
- JetA (UK) Limited Partnership
- Aviation Consulting Corp
- Phlo Technologies Limited
- Par Equity
- SSE Plc, SSE Renewables, SSE Transmission
- Diageo
- Hibernian Football Club
Work highlights
Advising the Department for Business and Trade in respect of the Historical Shortfall Scheme Appeals arising from the high-profile Post Office Horizon Scandal.
Acting on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council in respect of a procurement challenge raised by EFW Ness Limited in relation to an energy from waste facility in Aberdeen.
Acting on behalf of JetA (UK) Limited and Aviation Consulting Corp in a high-profile Commercial Court action, defending serious allegations of fraud related to jet fuel brokering.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ryan Openshaw
Practice head
Simon Catto
Other key lawyers
Ryan Openshaw; Kirsten Thompson; Hannah Brown