Brodies LLP offers ‘specialist and proactive advice’ to international retail brands, investment houses and private clients, and the team is under the supervision of Matthew Farrell. Farrell is a market leader in dilapidation claims, and his team has further expertise with leasing disputes, access rights litigation and complex environmental matters. Kenneth MacDonald strengthens the firm’s dispute resolution offering, with a wealth of expertise in commercial advocacy and international arbitration. Don Muir is particularly active in matters involving local government authorities, while Clare Kelly is experienced in real estate portfolio management, advising on relevant tenant disputes. David Ford strengthens the team further, advocating in both the Court of Session and the English Courts. Gareth Hale is also a key name to note, and Claire Thornber joined from Addleshaw Goddard in mid-2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Extremely professional.'
- 'I would highly recommend their services.’
- 'Brodies offers specialist and proactive advice that helps them stand apart from others in the market.'
- The team has expertise in dealing with a variety of matters on our behalf. This ranges from basic dilapidation disputes to complex environmental matters.'
- 'The team is responsive to requests and is able to relay information to a variety of individuals.'
- 'The team is very commercial in handling all litigation matters.'
Key clients
- Eurofund and Henderson Park
- Abrdn
- Mileway
- Orion Capital Partners
- M&G
- Axa
- Forma
- Queensway
- M7
- Martley Capital
Work highlights
Acting for Forthwell Limited, the operator of well-known Glasgow restaurant, Rogano, in an ongoing appeal to the UK Supreme Court arising as a result of the long-standing closure of the restaurant because of damage caused by flooding.
Acting for RAAG St Andrew limited in its successful defence of an application by Sainsbury's for lease renewal under the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949 in respect of what is now a prominent hotel development in the centre of Edinburgh.
Acting in a high-profile and high-value dilapidations claim in relation to the Grosvenor Hilton Hotel in the west end of Glasgow.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Claire Thornber
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
Matthew Farrell
Other key lawyers
Kenneth MacDonald; Don Muir; David Ford; Andrew Deanshaw; Clare Kelly; Gareth Hale; Claire Thornber