Morton Fraser MacRoberts is a reference in the market for immigration advice, as well as handling charity law and related governance matters in the education sector. The practice group is jointly steered by David Gourlay and Sarah Gilzean. Gourlay combines significant experience in IP and data protection matters, while Gilzean specialises in employment and regulatory issues. Ewan McGillivray excels in acting for local authorities in additional support needs appeals at the First-Tier Tribunal. On the charity law front, Alison Marr is the name to note, overseeing governance matters and the reorganisation of educational endowments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Sarah Gilzean - knowledgeable, experienced, professional. David Hossack - proactive, wise.
- The team at Morton Fraser is friendly and approachable. More importantly, they are quick to respond to concerns. They are utterly professional.
- Everyone we have dealt with at MFMac has always provided us with first-class service. We see their key strengths as industry knowledge relevant to Scottish schools, responsiveness, and consistent, high-quality advice. Invoices are detailed, transparent, and fair.
- While everyone we deal with has been of very high quality, there are two individuals who stand out: David Hossack for his calm approach, good sense of humor, and sage advice; and Sarah Gilzean for her great bank of knowledge, unflappability, and quick responses.
- The team at MFMAC has a thorough knowledge of our sector and understands the challenges we face. As a result, they are able to offer excellent practical advice. Their understanding of HR alongside employment law is a real plus and contributes to the quality of advice they provide. They are all personable, knowledgeable individuals.
- Sarah Gilzean is an outstanding professional. She has a thorough knowledge of our sector and, as a result, provides excellent advice.
- Ewan McGillivray and John Callender provided exceptional service and secured excellent results for the council. Both are excellent at communicating with the council. Both demonstrated a good understanding of the needs of the local authority.
Key clients
- University of Edinburgh
- Ministry of Defence
- Student Loans Company
- Scottish Local Authorities
- Education and Care providing facing Right to Work fines
- George Heriots School
- Erskine Stewart's Melville
Work highlights
Acting for the Ministry of Defence in the boarding schools' phase of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
Advised Erskine Stewart's Melville on a series of data protection, information tech and contract matters.
Advised a client in the Education and Care provision sector in relation to Right to Work fines and potential loss of Visa Sponsorship license.
Practice head
David Gourlay; Sarah Gilzean
Other key lawyers
Ewan McGillivray; Alison Marr