Brodies LLP maintains a strong position in the market for its specialism across a wide array of rail, shipping, ports and road disputes, projects and transactions. The practice is jointly led by Duncan MacLean, Karen Hamilton and Robert Ross. Maclean heads the shipping and transport team, with expertise in commercial disputes, loss of vessels and personal injury, while planning specialist Hamilton is well-versed in strategic scale road and rail infrastructure projects. Ross is equipped to handle corporate, commercial, and IT matters across the rail, bus and aviation sectors. Fehmida Hanif is noted for marine and offshore logistics, ship arrest and shipbuilding disputes.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is highly responsive and consistently provides clear, practical advice. They are able to quickly identify key issues and deliver solutions within tight timelines. Their lawyers combine strong technical expertise with a deep understanding of court procedures and port operational practices while maintaining a strong commercial focus. This combination allows them to provide practical and effective solutions for complex matters.
- Duncan MacLean stands out for his ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear, concise, and practical manner. He inspires a strong sense of confidence and trust, particularly when dealing with challenging or high-stakes matters. His advice is commercially focused, easy to understand, and consistently delivered in a responsive and professional way. These qualities distinguish him from many competitors and make him a trusted adviser to clients.
- Strong professional knowledge is always displayed by the staff.
- Extremely knowledgeable in marine matters, and billing is no issue.
- Duncan Maclean (Partner) is an extremely competent litigator and a very safe pair of hands for any client. Sarah Polson (Senior Associate) deals with our business in a very professional and competent manner.
- I have always found David Arnott responsive to our business needs, precise in his approach - no waffle, and he puts in a good challenge.
- The effort put into the strength of relationships and client intimacy really makes a difference.
- The individuals at this firm stand out for their exceptional ability to blend high-level legal expertise with genuine commercial intuition. What differentiates them from competitors is their proactive nature; they don't just respond to queries but anticipate potential hurdles before they arise.
- Malcolm Gunnyeon and Clare Bone are outstanding individuals who are proactive with a huge depth of knowledge and a strong focus on delivery, balanced with giving you the advice you need. They support the development of the team. Claire Campbell is outstanding, with a focus on delivery and great relationship-building. Hannah McMahon is outstanding, with a focus on delivery and great relationship-building.
- Real depth of knowledge in transport and some key individuals. The firm has invested in growing this knowledge in the junior team to create a strong platform for future growth.
Key clients
- Aberdeen City Council
- Aberdeen International Airport Limited
- Agility Logistics
- AGS Airports Limited
- AIG Insurance
- Albatrans
- Argyll and Bute Council
- Argyll and Bute Council
- Associated British Ports
- AXA XL
- Bank of Scotland
- Beazley
- BP Shipping Ltd
- Borr Drilling
- Briggs Marine
- Caledonian Sleeper
- CalMac Ferries
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Clarkson Port Services
- Clyde Marine Services
Work highlights
Advised Angus Council in relation to the development of an agreement to procure the design, build and operation of Mercury Drone Port in Angus.
Advised AGS Airport Limited on various commercial contracts.
Advised ScotRail on a wide range of commercial contracts and other issues following its take-on of the ScotRail operation from Abellio.
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.
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
Duncan MacLean; Karen Hamilton; Robert Ross
Other key lawyers
Fehmida Hanif