Dentons is a reliable adviser to regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and fund management companies, advising across the full scope of project work in Scotland. Gareth Tenner steers the practice and is reputed for his depth of expertise in both public and private sector work. He is adept at handling contractual matters, project development mandates, and PFI projects. Mark Macaulay is a construction specialist, while Kirsti Olson is devoted to dispute resolution matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- I work with Tasmyn Brittlebank and Emma Aitken in the non-contentious team primarily on subcontract stepdowns. They understand the importance of getting things right, have great attention to detail, and good drafting skills.
- The team was good at explaining the process and ensuring things moved quickly and did not get delayed.
- The Projects Team is first class. It's generally a given that a legal advisor will be an expert in their field, and that is the case here - but more than that, there is an appreciation for the commercial landscape within which the complex PFI/PPP contractual structure sits. In particular, the competing interests of multiple stakeholders we (as the client) are seeking to manage and reconcile. The team (in particular, Laura Neville) is really responsive and balances her legal advice with practical application, and all against an understanding of the overarching goal - mitigating risk for the SPV while delivering value for the client in a timely fashion.
- The team provides smart, concise, and commercially focused advice. Their ability to provide a 'straight-talking' and robust route through issues by applying the law to true practical reality really sets this team apart.
- Esther McDermott is truly a standout. Her ability to distill and advise on complex issues in tight timeframes is second to none, as is her no-nonsense approach, which is truly valued by the business. Esther is ably assisted by Ailish Kelly, who is developing a similar business and outcome-focused approach.
- The PFI disputes team at Dentons is excellent. They are approachable, supportive, and easy to work with.
Key clients
- Alba Infrastructure
- Asian Development Bank
- Dalmore Capital
- Diamond Transmission
- Equans E & S Solutions Limited
- Glen Earrach Energy Ltd
- Infrastructure Managers Limited
- National Energy System Operator Limited
- OCS Group UK Ltd
- Octagon Healthcare Limited
- Pale Blue Dot
- Resolis Limited
Work highlights
Advising in relation to various complex construction disputes relating to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh – a non profit distributing model PPP project
Advising OCS as O&M provider to the first direct procurement for customers PPP project in the water sector – the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme, a £3bn project upgrading a 110km pipeline and related assets ensuring security of water supplies to 2.5m customers in Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Advising on the development of a Pumped Storage Hydropower project at Glen Earrach on Loch Ness, Scotland.
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.
Gareth Tenner
Practice head
Gareth Tenner
Other key lawyers
Mark Macaulay; Kirsti Olson; Roddy Cormack