Brodies LLP

Situated in the firm’s broader competition and regulation practice, the parliamentary and public affairs practice at Brodies LLP provides ‘unfailingly excellent’ guidance on the full gamut of regulatory and advisory work. Practice leader Christine O’Neill bolsters the team’s capabilities with experience in representing government entities in major public inquiries, while Charles Livingstone leverages extensive expertise in public law. Douglas Waddell focuses on legislative drafting and Niall McLean regularly acts for clients in the public and private sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent service on complex regulatory issues.’
‘Advice is unfailingly excellent and is provided by a diverse range of subject experts in complex fields of public law.'
‘Christine O'Neill is an exceptional lawyer with a great team. When you have a legal issue, you want Christine on your side. Her straightforward, clear and direct advice is worth its weight in gold.'
‘Kirstyn Burke marries excellent advice with an attitude that exemplifies what Brodies offer clients: a commitment to providing the best support and the sagest advice possible. Kirstyn is always available and a great communicator.'
‘A highly motivated and driven team that delivers expert advice on the most complex and sensitive topics.’
‘Niall McLean has deep technical knowledge and is skilled in succinctly distilling advice which is both commercial and pragmatic.'
'Kirstyn Burke always has the answer and is very measured and calm in her approach.'
'Charles Livingstone consistently provides excellent technical support and advice.'

Key clients

Scottish Renewables
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Scottish Government
Scotch Whisky Association
Law Society of Scotland
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
COSLA
Homes for Scotland
Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
City of Edinburgh Council

Work highlights

Acted for registered charity Annan Harbour Action Group in modernising its harbour order modernising existing harbour order as a key part of our client's strategy to regenerate and revitalise the harbour as an asset for the local community.
Advised Zero Waste Scotland on the Deposit Return Scheme that was due to come into force in Scotland in 2023, in which ZWS was a key player.
Acted as senior counsel for Marine Scotland in a judicial review about the Scottish Marine Plan's role in fishing licensing decisions.

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