Harper Macleod LLP‘s ’uniquely capable and experienced’ team is well-equipped to handle high-profile disputes on behalf of local authorities, in addition to advising on applications for levelling up funding. Practice co-lead James McMorrow is an expert in assisting local councils with infrastructure projects across the transport, energy, and housing sectors. Co-head Jennifer Jack utilises her ‘excellent judgment’ to handle high-profile judicial reviews and appeals regarding the decisions of regulators and public authorities. Praised by clients for being ’unflappable in a crisis’, Calum Gee handles a broad range of disputes involving human rights, housing, and planning.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Uniquely capable and experienced public law team.’
'A good strong team.'
‘Jennifer Jack and Calum Gee both have excellent judgement.’
'Calum Gee and Jennifer Jack are approachable and friendly. Both give sensible, practical and legally sound advice.'
‘Harper Macleod has a strong reputation in public law in general and in local government law in particular. It regularly represents the largest councils in Scotland in high-level litigation, notably in judicial reviews before the Court of Session.'
‘I have worked on numerous cases with Harper Macleod in recent years and have always been impressed with the level of service they provide and the quality of the solicitors they have at all levels in their public law practice.'
‘The team is really unrivalled in terms of the breadth of their experience and the depth of their knowledge. Their handle on local government-specific public law matters is second to none.’
‘Jennifer Jack is head and shoulders the best local government public lawyer working in Scotland at the moment.’
‘Harper Macleod is the leading firm for local government work in Scotland. They represent all of Scotland's biggest local authorities. As a result, their solicitors have an in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of relevant issues.'
‘Calum Gee is unflappable in a crisis. He's always with the case through from beginning to end. Jennifer Jack has an impressive reputation, particularly as a result of her long connection with the Scottish Public Law Group.’
Key clients
- Glasgow City Council
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Fife Council
- Inverclyde Council
- Orkney Islands Council
- Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
- The Highland Council
- West Dunbartonshire Council
- West Lothian Council
- Perth and Kinross Council
Work highlights
Advising Orkney Islands Council on the Scapa Deep Water Quay Project.
Advising Inverclyde Council on subsidy control issues associated with the Greenock Town Centre Regeneration and Oak Mall Shopping Centre Project.
Advising Glasgow City Council concerning its project to raise funding for an equal pay settlement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
James McMorrow; Jennifer Jack
Other key lawyers
Calum Gee; Euan Pirie