Burness Paull LLP is geared to handle the full spectrum of property disputes, covering building defects, lease terminations, and dilapidations. The team sports extensive expertise across the utilities, living, and retail sectors. Practice head Alan McMillan is sought after for his prowess both in court and in arbitration and mediation forums. The telecoms sector is a core pillar of Stephen Farrell’s practice, while the ‘technically excellent’ Rebecca Jones is highlighted for her know-how on disputes over property rights. Steven Guild acts for a diverse roster of housebuilders, landlords, and tenants.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Stephen Farrell is super responsive, has extensive knowledge from a telecom perspective, and helps us balance legal risk with commercial outcomes.
- Burness Paull’s real estate litigation service is consistently strong and reliable. Advice is clear and decisive, helping us make decisions early and progress matters quickly. The team is highly responsive; they combine strong technical knowledge with practical negotiation and, when needed, robust litigation capability.
- Alan McMillan leads the team with probably the highest profile in the industry. Ailish Thompson and Stephen Farrell are both excellent, as are all those we have experienced.
- First class in the field.
- Rebecca Jones is both technically excellent and commercially astute.
- The team is able to provide excellent advice on English law.
- Solid, practical advice. I like the fact they aren't afraid to give their own views, not just defer to counsel.
- Stephen Farrell is exceptional. He has a cool head and gives great advice.
- Fantastic little team of top-notch lawyers who are capable of holding their own against some of the biggest players.
- Stephen Farrell is very talented and a pleasure to work with. He is available and hands-on when needed, and he is not afraid to get in the trenches. Alan McMillan is a master tactician and a fount of knowledge, especially in all things commercial leasing and dilapidations.
Key clients
- Scottish Water
- Vodafone
- Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited
- Aberdeen
- Cala Homes
- Pontegadea
- PizzaExpress
- Taylor Wimpey
- Link Housing Association
- ESR Europe LSPIM Ltd
- Anderson Strathern LLP
Work highlights
Advising the landlord, Pontegadea, in the defence of a claim for property damage and loss of profit relating to the Rogano restaurant in Glasgow.
Advising the tenant in the reported case of Rutland v Anderson Strathern, a high-value dilapidations claim by Rutland Court Estate.
Advising Avison Young in having a court order completely overturned and indemnity expenses awarded against Scottish Water Business Stream.
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.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Stephen Farrell
Practice head
Alan McMillan
Other key lawyers
Stephen Farrell; Rebecca Jones; Steven Guild