James Findlay KC
He is very persuasive on his feet. At his best he makes his conclusions seem obvious; it can be like listening to prophecy come true. He wins clients' confidence with ease but does not over-promise.’
Terra Firma Chambers is ‘an excellent stable for advocates specialising in planning and environmental law’, and has ‘good strength in depth in property law’. Alasdair Burnet KC is ‘very knowledgeable in planning and property law’, and James Findlay KC – a dual tenant with English set Cornerstone Barristers – is ‘the pre-eminent planning KC in Scotland’. Among the juniors, Ewen Brown has an established track record in advising on leasing and commercial property disputes, and Brian Crook continues to handle cases relating to contested property rights. Fergus Colquhoun acted for one of the petitioners Petitions by Greenpeace LTD & Uplift for Judicial Review challenging the decision made by the Secretary of State for the Environment to grant consent for oil and gas developments at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields; it was ruled that that the Environmental Impact Assessment consents granted for the fields were unlawful as "Scope 3" downstream emissions were not taken into account in the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Douglas Armstrong KC
Douglas is great at working with witnesses and putting them at ease in stressful settings. He is excellent in court, and calm in challenging circumstances.'
Alasdair Burnet KC
A KC who is very experienced in handling the full range of property disputes, great to deal with and good at strategy. Clients like him.'
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Graham Dunlop
Graham is unflappable and firm but fair, even with challenging clients.'
Denis Garrity
He is a diligent and insightful lawyer.'
Maurice O’Carroll
Maurice has exceptional knowledge of planning law and renewable energy cases.'
Ewen Brown
Ewen is a very impressive advocate. He is always thoroughly prepared, and provides valuable, measured and strategic advice underpinned by a remarkable knowledge of the law.'
Fergus Colquhoun
A user-friendly junior whose written and oral advocacy is first rate.'
Brian Crook
Brian is adept at breaking down complex property disputes into an easily understandable opinions. His complete understanding of the issue and relevant law is evident in his examination and cross-examination of witnesses.’
Alan Innes
He has deep knowledge of property litigation. A junior who shows meticulous attention to detail and a good grasp of complex legal concepts. His advice is clear and client friendly.'
Robert Sutherland
He has a great ability to break down complex problems for clients into manageable pieces.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Kenneth Young
He is very responsive, and delivers what is promised. He communicates well with clients.'