David Gourlay heads up the practice at Morton Fraser MacRoberts, which garners praise for its ‘deep understanding of the cybersecurity and digital infrastructure landscape’. The group is well versed in advising on large-scale IT and technology outsourcing matters and digital transformation projects, and often acts for SaaS and IT services providers in matters. Valerie Armstrong-Surgenor has ‘deep knowledge of data protection and cybersecurity compliance’. Susan O’Farrell counts complex SaaS agreements and outsourcing issues as key areas of strength, and Alison Marr is experienced in handling mandates from clients in the public and financial services sectors. Melissa Hall‘s workload includes IT transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They work very effectively as a team so there is always someone you can get to very quickly. Their advice is always sound and they are exceptional at knowledge transfer.'
'I am always highly confident that we are getting the best contract for our company because of Morton Fraser MacRoberts and the TMT team.'
'Morton Fraser McRoberts stands out in the IT and telecoms legal sector for its exceptional blend of deep technical expertise, commercial insight, and unwavering client focus. The team is particularly skilled at translating complex technical or contractual issues into actionable legal strategies, making them a trusted adviser to both established players and innovative startups. The IT and telecoms practice is a modern, forward-looking legal partner that combines legal excellence with commercial acumen and a human touch.'
'The team brings together top-tier legal acumen with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and regulatory complexities that clients in this space face, and does so with consistency, clarity, and commercial foresight.'
'Valerie Armstrong-Surgenor is particularly valued for her ability to deliver advice that is both technically robust and commercially attuned.'
'They have an exceptional knowledge base to draw on when dealing with my queries and questions around contracts, data protection, liabilities in contracts etc.'
'Valerie Armstrong Surgenor is particularly strong in negotiations and I would not wish to have her on the other side. She is clear on the requirements which we have and conciliatory at the same time.'
'Morton Fraser McRoberts’s IT and telecoms practice distinguishes itself through a client-centric approach underpinned by a deep understanding of the cybersecurity and digital infrastructure landscape.'
'The team brings together top-tier legal acumen with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and regulatory complexities that clients in this space face — and does so with consistency, clarity, and commercial foresight.'
'The practice’s standout quality is the collaborative strength and complementary expertise of its key partners.'
Key clients
- Scottish Government
- Scottish Building Society
- Dacoll Group
- North Edinburgh and Castle Credit Union Ltd
- Aperta Limited
- Iizuka Software Technologies Limited
- Barrier Networks Limited
- Victim Support Scotland
- Indy Cinema Group Limited
- Robertson Group
Work highlights
Advised the Dacoll Group on a Master Purchase Agreement for the sale of hardware and the appointment of a value-added reseller.
Advised Iizuka Software Technologies Limited on reseller agreements and data processing arrangements as part of its SaaS arrangements.
Lawyers
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
David Gourlay
Other key lawyers
Valerie Armstrong-Surgenor; Susan O'Farrell; Alison Marr; Melissa Hall