Following the November 2023 merger of Morton Fraser and MacRoberts, the construction team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts is now able to offer an expanded range of contentious and non-contentious services. The combined group is led by contentious construction law specialist Neil Kelly, who supports employers, contractors, consultants, and insurers. Jonathan Seddon focuses on real estate development including build-to-rent, student accommodation, and commercial property, advising developers, banks, occupiers, and consultants. Jennifer McKay is particularly adept at handling PFI/PPP disputes, while Gavin Thomson’s expertise encompasses a wide range of dispute resolution and dispute avoidance work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They always seek to maintain a balance between the legal position and the economic/financial practicalities. The people are responsive and turn around requests quickly and accurately.'

  • ‘MFM is willing to bring in whatever resources are best suited to tackle the issue at hand.'

  • ‘Top quality service and people; fast response time; don't flood projects with lawyers.’

  • ‘Neil Kelly is highly capable and respected. Gavin Thomson is a delight to work with. Rebecca Barrass is a highly capable member of the younger generation.’

  • ‘The firm is very approachable and takes a very inclusive and holistic approach to working with us. They are eager to understand our ways of working to allow them to offer tailored and much appreciated advice.’

  • ‘Jonathan Seddon and his team have a fantastic hands-on approach and great expertise. They have delivered seamless end-to-end assistance in a friendly and pragmatic fashion.’

  • ‘Neil Kelly is the patriarch of the construction team with 40 years of experience as a construction lawyer. He is calm, decisive, and handles large issues with ease.’

  • ‘They are very strong on NEC4 and amendments required for public sector, and give excellent advice on negotiating terms and conditions with bidders.’

Key clients

  • N Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • NHS Lanarkshire
  • University of West of Scotland
  • Morrisons
  • BAM Properties
  • Diageo
  • FRP Advisory
  • SSE PLC
  • Tontine Developments
  • Oberlanders Architects

Work highlights

  • Acted for NHS Lanarkshire in relation to the Monklands Replacement Project (“MRP”), the design and construction of a new hospital in Airdrie.
  • Acted for SSE in relation to major elements of their Pathway to 2030 programme.
  • Acted for NHS Greater Glasgow Council in relation to multiple disputes arising out of the construction of the £800 million Queen Elizabeth University hospital and Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Lawyers

Hall of fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Neil Kelly

Practice head

Neil Kelly

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Seddon; Jennifer McKay; Gavin Thomson; . Rebecca Barrass