Spread between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Brodies LLP is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of matters on a local government level, from energy and infrastructure projects to planning and employment-related issues. ‘Consummate professional’ Niall McLean leads the team, regularly handling a broad swathe of issues for local government clients, including child protection, social housing, and compulsory purchase mandates. Fiona McLeod is noted for taking a ’very clear, thorough and considered’ approach when advising on social housing disposal and stock management, in addition to assisting with guardianships and adult protection. Jamie Dunne is a key name for public procurement issues and subsidy control work, while Douglas Waddell routinely acts in judicial reviews and statutory appeals within the education sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team we work with at Brodies is available, approachable and professional. It is able to provide advice in a way tailored to our requirements and in the time required. The approach often feels like teamwork rather than a client/lawyer situation.'
‘Brodies is a full-service commercial law firm, with excellent public law experience as well. The team has strength in depth and is able to cover the myriad of legal issues which can crop up in a large local authority.'
‘I find that the individuals I deal with at Brodies have both contentious and non-contentious experience. This is very valuable and saves having to go to a different lawyer in the event that a project ends up in dispute.’
‘Fiona McLeod has a very clear, thorough and considered approach coupled with an ability to consider all potential options and the ability to engage well with instructing client departments and non-solicitors too. Niall McLean is a consummate professional who puts clients at ease straight away and is a credit to the firm.'
‘The standout would be Jamie Dunne. His ability to get to the nub of the issue quickly and provide pragmatic legal advice is second to none.’
‘Brodies has a significant breadth of expertise, and is an excellent one-stop shop for all the legal needs of my organisation. Its client service is brilliant - so responsive and diligent.’
‘Apart from its talent, which is a given, the team is always conscientious, prompt and helpful.’
‘Good experience and knowledge of local government in Scotland.’
'Brodies present with professional and approachable individuals motivated to deliver for their clients.'
'Brodies are responsive, professional and reliable. Their staff are engaging and proactive in providing advice and taking issues forward to resolution and successful conclusion.'
Key clients
- Aberdeen City Council
- Glasgow City Council
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Stirling Council
- Perth & Kinross Council
- Argyll & Bute Council
- Moray Council
- Orkney Islands Council
- Falkirk Council
- North Lanarkshire Council
Work highlights
Advised Argyll & Bute Council on respect of a range of matters including a harbour revision order, common good status, planning matters, subsidy control, judicial review proceedings and provision of accommodation.
Advising the City of Edinburgh Council on a low-carbon heat network to supply sustainable homes and buildings at the new town-scale Granton Waterfront developments in Edinburgh.
Advising Aberdeen City Council in connection with the establishment and delivery of the Energy Transition Zone on various aspects, including title reviews, common good aspects, compulsory purchase orders and a judicial review.
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.
Practice head
Niall McLean
Other key lawyers
Stuart Murray; Fiona McLeod; Jamie Dunne; Douglas Waddell