The construction team at CMS 'employs a personable and commercial approach’ to assist energy, healthcare, property development and education clients with complex contentious and non-contentious matters. Leadership is shared between the ‘formidable’ Shona Frame, whose varied caseload encompasses fire cladding litigation, defect claims and arbitration, and Christine Worthington, who is a transactional specialist who often works with international real estate investors. Fenella Mason is a key contact for clients wishing to resolve contractual disputes, while Christopher Dickson is adept at handling complex procurement matters and large-scale transportation projects. Laura West has a strong track record in alternative dispute resolution, and Caroline Maciver joined the firm from Burness Paull LLP in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I have worked with Shona Frame on several occasions and have always found her level of knowledge, calm and composed demeanor and practical approach to be beneficial in all situations. Definitely someone you would want on your side.'
- ‘The firm stands out for its specialised expertise in construction, ensuring tailored solutions for clients. The team's strong track record and collaborative culture foster innovative approaches to problem-solving.’
- 'The team employs a personable and commercial approach.'
- ‘Shona Frame is a friendly yet formidable leader who quickly grasps both the detail and big picture arguments.’
- 'I have worked with several teams within the construction practice at CMS and have always found them to be incredibly professional, knowledgeable and efficient.'
- 'I have worked with Chiara Pieri who was very professional, knowledgeable, efficient and excellent at managing the process.’
- 'I have always found them to be very personable, building excellent relationships with their clients and other members of the project team.'
- ‘Knowledgeable and understand the role of legal advice in a commercial and risk environment in which we operate.’
Key clients
- AIMCO
- EDF
- Scottish Water
- Northern Ireland Water
- Land Securities
- Tilbury Douglas
- Balfour Beatty
- Galliford Try
- Multiplex
- Laing O’Rourke
- AEW
- Cadent Gas
- Nuveen
- Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN)
- Scottish Government
- Tarmac
- City of Edinburgh Council
- UBS
- Renfrewshire Council
- Abrdn
Work highlights
Advising Scottish Power on a £5bn+ procurement of framework agreements for overhead lines and sub-stations as part of the delivery of the biggest rewiring of the GB electricity grid since its inception.
Advised Derwent on the development of Lochfaulds Solar Farm.
Advised Unite on the delivery of two major newly built Student accommodation schemes in Scotland - £59m Scheme in Edinburgh and a £126m scheme 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.
Fenella Mason
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
Shona Frame; Christine Worthington
Other key lawyers
Chiara Pieri; Fenella Mason; Christopher Dickson; Laura West; Karen Cossar; Caroline Maciver