CMS’s professional negligence team is particularly impressive in the construction and renewable energy sectors. Dual qualified in Scotland and England, practice head Rory Thomson’s well-established client base includes professionals, directors, financial institutions and their insurers. Rowena Williams’ wide-ranging expertise spans disputes under property damage and latent defects to CAR policies. Lynn Macdonald specialises in defence and coverage instructions, while Sophie Malley excels in the defence of claims within the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Harriet Munro transitioned into a consultant role in August 2025, while Graeme MacLeod departed the firm in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Our issue was a major, complex, and contentious insurance claim. The team responded to the client's requirements excellently. They not only provided excellent legal advice in respect of my very complex issues but also provided reassurance and clear explanations of the issues, process, and proposed approach. They were hugely diplomatic and very solution-focused.
- Well-regarded team for professional negligence matters, in particular high-value and/or complex claims.
- Lynn MacDonald and Rowena Williams are the gold standard. Their work is careful and insightful. They have vast experience in the professional negligence space. I almost described them as stars of the future. In fact, they're stars already.
Key clients
- QBE
- Markel International
- AIG
- Intact Insurance
- Riverstone
- AXIS
- Liberty Syndicate
- AXA XL
- WR Berkley
- Munich Re
- Ledingham Chalmers LLP
- WSP
Work highlights
Advised a leading Scottish law firm and its professional indemnity insurers in the defence of a US$350m claim alleging professional negligence, conflict of interest and conspiracy to defraud in the context of a corporate transaction.
Advising an international engineering consultancy on professional negligence claims arising from its involvement in the design and construction of a major publicly funded hospital project, allegeding design defects, including cladding, raising complex issues of standard of care, causation and limitation under Scots law.
Advising a senior Scottish advocate and his professional indemnity insurers in relation to regulatory complaints alleging breaches of professional duties, including independence and impartiality, arising from litigation conduct.
Lawyers
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
Rory Thomson
Other key lawyers
Rowena Williams; Lynn Macdonald; Sophie Malley