Burness Paull LLP‘s cross-disciplinary insolvency and restructuring practice has a strong track record handling instructions from a roster of prominent clients. The team’s varied case load includes acting in retail, property and energy matters. Michael Thomson leads the team, routinely guiding high-profile clients such as banks and insolvency practitioners through transactions and restructuring plans. Allana Sweeney focuses on non-contentious mandates, acting on complex insolvencies concerning the energy and retail sectors, while litigation specialist Gary Moffat’s 'encyclopaedic knowledge of insolvency law' sees him represent both private and public sector clients in winding up proceedings and restructuring disputes. The firm’s contentious insolvency expertise was further bolstered by the recruitment of Douglas Blyth from Addleshaw Goddard in November 2024. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Fiona Carlin, who acts for insolvency practitioners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes the team at Burness Paull LLP stand out is the quality which they have at every level. The corporate side of the insolvency and corporate recovery team has a wealth of experience. They are regularly instructed in the most complex transactions. They are also regularly instructed by English solicitors for work in Scotland such as restructuring arrangements under Part 26A of the 2006 Act. The team are, without exception, excellent at what they do.'
‘Michael Thomson's reputation as a market leader is well deserved.'
- 'Allana Sweeney is a partner and an experienced corporate finance lawyer. She is meticulous in her attention to detail and will often pick up points which everyone else in the transaction has missed. She is also an excellent communicator and great to deal with. I am always delighted to hear that she will be involved in a case!'
- 'Gary Moffat is a partner and experienced litigator who has an excellent understanding of insolvency law and practice. He is very client focused and takes time to get to know his clients and their business. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of insolvency law. He can get up to speed with complex issues very quickly and distil difficult issues down to their key components in order that they can be understood by clients. He is very impressive.'
- 'Fiona Carlin is an outstanding addition to the team. Fiona has a wealth of experience in insolvency law and is very focused on identifying her clients' objectives and ensuring that any strategy advances them. She is never phased by difficulties and will consider all of the options in order to find an approach which is best suited to her client. She is one to watch for the future.'
- 'Riccardo Alonzi is a very strong technical lawyer. He has a breadth of experience and is very easy to deal with.'
Key clients
- Dobbies Garden Centres Limited
- Waldorf Production UK PLC
- Stewart Milne Group Limited, acting by its administrators, Teneo
- The Bodyshop International Limited, acting by its administrators, FRP
- The People’s Energy Company Limited, acting by its administrators, Alvarez and Marsal
- Homebase Limited, acting by its administrators, Teneo
- Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited, acting by its administrators, FRP
- Lionvolt Ltd
- Topps Tiles PLC
- Carpetright Limited, acting by its administrators, PwC
- Clydesdale Bank plc trading as Virgin Money
- The Insolvency Service
Work highlights
Acting for Dobbies Garden Centres on a restructuring plan process, used for the first time in Scotland.
Acted for Waldorf Exploration and Production on the restructuring of an oil and gas exploration and production group.
Acting for the administrators for The Bodyshop.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michael Thomson
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sophia Harrison
Allana Sweeney
Practice head
Michael Thomson
Other key lawyers
Gary Moffat; Allana Sweeney; Douglas Blyth; Fiona Carlin; Riccardo Alonzi