Leveraging its deep bench of seasoned advisers, Addleshaw Goddard delivers M&A, private equity, and capital markets expertise across sectors including the life sciences, energy, and technology spaces. The team combines its on-the-ground expertise with the firm’s substantial international network to execute high‑value, complex transactions for multinationals, PE sponsors, and public bodies. David Anderson leads the team and is highly regarded for his skill in tech and fintech deals. Murray Jack is active on cross-border PE transactions and is noted for his work in the life sciences space, while Anna Brown combines extensive M&A experience with strong capital markets expertise. Derek McCombe has recently been active on major company disposals, and David Kirchin continues to lead the firm’s corporate offering globally. Andrew Ley, Laura Falls, Kevin Beattie and Sarah Dick also come recommended.

Advising on high‑value, cross‑border transactions from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Brodies LLP handles significant M&A, investments, and disposals across the technology, energy, life sciences, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Its deep bench of practitioners provides corporate and commercial support to public institutions, multinationals, and high-net-worth individuals. Neil Burgess heads the practice and expertly handles the full spectrum of corporate and commercial transactions for a range of domestic and multinational clients. William McIntosh has a strong track record in large-scale, multi-jurisdictional PE deals, while Shuna Stirling is a key name for M&A and joint venture mandates. David Lightbody and Derek Stroud have longstanding experience advising on buy-side and sell-side deals across a multitude of sectors. Paul Breen is noted for his M&A, PE and commercial contracts expertise.

Burness Paull LLP‘s active corporate and commercial team advises an extensive roster of start-ups, PLCs, private equity firms, and venture backed businesses on high-profile local and cross-border deals. Its core strengths include private equity issues, financial services M&A, and technology transactions across the UK and beyond. Paul Scullion spearheads the group and is noted for his strength in venture capital transactions. Mark Ellis, Edward Hunter, and David Davidson are routinely sought out by clients for private equity deals, while Peter Lawson continues to provide expertise across a broad range of corporate mandates. Chris Gotts is highly active on capital market transactions and in the energy and renewables sector, alongside divisional head of energy Catriona Macallan.

Backed by a strong bench of experienced individuals with a ‘first-class reputation’, Pinsent Masons LLP advises on complex and high-profile transactions in the Scottish market, combining deep sectoral expertise – particularly in the energy, financial services, and tech spaces – with a growing international reach. Practice head Barry McCaig is well-regarded for his ‘excellent standing in corporate legal circles‘ and acts for a variety of financial sponsors and management teams on PE deals. Rosalie Chadwick is noted for her strength in energy-related transactions, particularly oil and gas, while the ‘exceptional’ Alan Diamond is praised for his 'practical, commercial advice'. Brian Thumath provides further energy-focused M&A expertise, and Graeme Stapleton is often instructed on venture capital and high-growth deals. Heather Hutcheon and Jennifer White also come recommended. Walter Clark joined from Burness Paull LLP in September 2024, while Kevin Devanny  retired in October 2024.

Burges Salmon LLP remains active on high-profile national and cross-border M&A, with particular strength in private equity and sector-focused deals. The team is regularly instructed by key players across the energy, technology, life sciences, and food and drink sectors, often combining skilled transactional expertise with a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape. Team head Danny Lee is a highly experienced practitioner who serves as a trusted adviser to a wide range of domestic and multinational clients. Malcolm Donald‘s focus is primarily concentrated in the energy sector, while AJ Venter provides extensive capabilities in the financial services space. Katie Carter is a significant driver behind the firm’s life sciences offering, and Niall Mackle supports on M&A and joint ventures.

Praised as a ‘go-to law firm for complex work’, CMS advises investors, corporates and shareholders on the full range of corporate transactions, including M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and public company mandates. The firm is especially active in the energy, real estate, financial services, and TMT sectors, with significant cross-border capabilities and a considerable US securities offering based in Edinburgh. Jack Letson leads the team and draws on a broad skillset to advise an extensive roster of public and private company clients, while Helen Gillies is active on Scottish, UK and overseas acquisitions, disposals and impact investments. Bruce Harvie has a solid track record acting on deals in the financial services and fintech sectors, and Kate Darracott is lauded as one of the ‘best US Securities lawyers‘ in the market. Robbie Somerville provides further cross-border capabilities. Callum Swanson joined from DLA Piper in January 2025.

Shepherd and Wedderburn is trusted by a diverse client base, from blue-chip multinationals to fast-growth start-ups and financial sponsors. Known for its sectoral depth, the firm is highly active in energy, technology, life sciences, and food and drink mandates, regularly advising on buy-side and sell-side transactions as well as joint ventures and restructurings. Tom Swan leads the team and combines extensive M&A expertise with strong capital markets capabilities. George Frier has a wealth of experience in the food and drink sector, while Stephen Trombala is a key figure for energy and tech-related deals. John Morrison, another name for energy expertise, often works closely with start-ups on a range of corporate matters.

Praised for its ‘excellent and proactive team who use expertise to great effect when dealing with difficult client situations‘, BTO Solicitors LLP provides advice across a wide range of sectors, including the renewable energy, hospitality, manufacturing and financial services spaces. The team regularly counsels on high-value M&A, cross-border investments, governance matters and contentious corporate issues. Scott Wyper leads the team and acts on foreign direct investments, management buyouts, and large-scale disposals. The ‘professional, responsive and reliable’ Emma Barclay continues to handle high-stakes, complex M&A, while Jeremy Glen is often instructed by developers, healthcare and hospitality clients on real estate-related deals. Alastair Dunn’s practice includes M&A, commercial agreements, and shareholder disputes.

Dentons leverages its global platform to advise leading Scottish, UK, and international clients on a diverse range of complex and high-value corporate transactions. The team has significant experience in M&A, private equity, funds, and capital markets, with a particular strength in energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Brian Moore leads the group and helms high-end public and private M&A alongside equity capital markets transactions. Claire Armstrong and Owen McLennan have extensive transactional backgrounds, particularly in the funds space, and Adam Knowles is highly active on PE deals.

DWF handles complex, high-value transactions for a range of clients, including major Scottish businesses, international corporates, and investors. The team is particularly strong in the consumer, technology, financial services, and sport sectors. Team head Wayne Lawrence has a far-reaching practice that covers M&A, commercial contracts, procurements and corporate governance work. Co-head Paul Pignatelli is a skilled transactional lawyer who specialises in M&A and PE deals, and Gary MacDonald is active across a multitude of sectors. Alasdair Peacock is a go-to for hospitality and food and drink clients, while Jonathan Kirkwood is primarily noted for his energy-related work. Douglas Jefferies and Graham Tait are also recommended.

Harper Macleod LLP advises on a wide range of corporate transactions, including M&A, equity investments, and joint venture deals, often with a cross-border or sector-specific focus. The team has notable strength in supporting scale-ups and high-growth businesses, particularly in the technology, energy, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors. Paula Skinner and Jo Nisbet are key drivers behind the firm’s high-growth and venture capital offering, while Christopher Kerr regularly advises an extensive roster of large domestic corporates and family offices. James MacGregor, Stephen Chan and Scott Kerr are active on acquisitions, disposals and restructurings, and Amy Mackenzie was promoted to partner in May 2024. Ross Hampsey and Rachel Miele also come recommended.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts advises on a wide range of M&A, equity investment, joint venture, and restructuring matters, often involving complex, cross-border elements. Showcasing strength across the energy, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors, the team is particularly strong in repeat buy-side mandates and investment-driven transactions for established corporates and growth-focused clients. Team head Alan Kelly is praised for his ‘responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency’ when advising on significant corporate transactions, while Michael Kelly has a growing body of PE and corporate finance instructions. David Wylie has recently been active on large-scale, multi-jurisdictional disposals, and Iain Young on equity investment deals. Paul Geoghegan and Bonar Mercer are noted for their sector breadth, with the former particularly strong in the financial services space and the latter in the energy space. Louise Mahon is lauded as a ‘persuasive and experienced negotiator who knows how to get the best deal for her clients’.

As a firm that has ‘consistently proven its ability to provide valuable advice’, TLT handles a high volume of M&A, equity investment and employee ownership transactions and is particularly active in the future energy and renewables space, alongside a strong pipeline of work in infrastructure and private equity-backed transactions. Team head Damien Bechelli handles a steady stream of sophisticated domestic and cross-border M&A. Douglas Roberts is noted for his strength in employee ownership transactions, and Kirsty Smith and Nimarta Cheema support across the full spectrum of practice matters.

Anderson Strathern advises on a broad range of corporate investment matters in Scotland, including angel-backed funding rounds, private equity transactions, and inbound M&A. The team is active in sectors including the fintech, energy, and tourism industries, and regularly supports clients on employee ownership transitions. Simon Brown leads the team and has a broad corporate and commercial practice. Euan Tripp spearheads both the corporate investments team and corporate tourism and hotels team and has a strong portfolio of buy-side and sell-side transactions. Bruce Farquhar has a growing body of cross-border work.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart advises on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and partnership law. The team is particularly active in the healthcare, energy, and professional services sectors, and is trusted for complex cross-border matters and specialist conflict referrals. Craig Stirling leads the team and acts on the full range of corporate transactions. Fiona Piper works closely with early-stage companies on equity fundings, and Arveen Arabshahi is praised for his ‘clear, approachable, and strategic approach‘ to matters.

DLA Piper‘s corporate team, led by Simon Rae, advises on M&A, private equity issues, joint ventures, and international restructurings across the energy, technology, consumer goods, and financial services industries. Rae, who is noted for his strength handling PE transactions, is regularly supported by Andrew Wardrop and Megan Green, who both handle a variety of public and private M&A.

Lindsays advises investors, high-growth technology companies, and early-stage ventures on private equity and VC investments, M&A, IP issues, and spinouts, with notable activity in the technology, gaming, and life sciences sectors. David Wood spearheads the practice and leverages over thirty years of experience to comprehensively advise clients on M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, and a range of IP matters. Ian Mitchell is a go-to for private equity transactions, and Nick Howie has recently been active on significant deals in the healthcare, pharma and sport sectors.

Macdonald Henderson advises on M&A, private equity, and finance transactions, with growing expertise in National Security and Investment Act processes and cross-border work, particularly in technology, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Laura McKnight and David Beveridge lead the team, with the former helming some of the firm’s most significant transactions and the latter praised for his ‘commercial and pragmatic approach’. Emily Glen-Hencher supports across the full spectrum of matters.

MBM Commercial specialises in advising early-stage and high-growth businesses, with particular strength in supporting cross-border expansion through its US-qualified team based in Edinburgh. The ‘smart, fast, and pragmatic’ Tracey Ginn leads the team and has an extensive background in domestic and multi-jurisdictional M&A, often acting for clients looking to expand their business overseas. Stuart Hendry is routinely sought out by start-up and scale-up clients for his transactional skill, and Alexander Lamley has recently advised on investee-side debt and equity investment deals. Laura Peachey and Laura Donald also come recommended.

Shoosmiths acts for an extensive roster of Scottish and UK-wide clients on M&A, PE and venture capital transactions, with an ever-growing body of work focusing on tech and real estate deals. Alison Gilson helms the group and has a far-reaching practice that covers the full spread of corporate transactions, including corporate governance and shareholder issues. Kimberley Goh provides further M&A capabilities and a strong track record in the real estate sector, and Jen Paton is crucial to the firm’s venture capital offering.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP acts on M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions, with strong expertise in the technology, energy, real estate and professional services sectors. Group lead Colin Millar is well-positioned to act on both corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Ken Long stands out for his venture capital-focused practice, and Angus MacLeod for his commercial contract and franchising work. Stephen Grant and Emma Arcari also come recommended.

A firm that ‘stands out due to its unwavering commitment to excellence, client-centric approach, and innovative practices‘, Bellwether Green continues to grow its client roster and volume of sophisticated M&A, including handling a variety of instructions focusing on the energy and financial services sectors. Team head April Bingham has a broad corporate and commercial practice that spans large-scale management buyouts, disposals, reorganisations and joint ventures. Euan Faulds focuses on tech and media matters, and Stephanie Farrell is widely praised for her ‘exceptional expertise, dedication, and innovative thinking’. 

Blackadders LLP advises a wide range of clients – from early-stage ventures to multinationals – on M&A, investment rounds, EOTs and complex commercial contracts. The team is particularly active across Scotland’s growth sectors, including the technology, life sciences, healthcare, food and drink, and advanced manufacturing spaces. Spearheading the group is Campbell Clark who is the key relationship partner to some of the firm’s most consequential clients and is particularly well positioned to handle EOTs. Co-head Kirk Dailly acts from Dundee. Peter Duff retired in 2024.

Gillespie Macandrew LLP advises private companies, family businesses, and charities across Scotland and England, with particular strength in rural estates, energy, and tech spaces. Team head Chris Gibson is experienced in public and private M&A, private equity investments, and early-stage growth work. Alan Gilfillan is a go-to for business establishment and expansion matters, and Ross MacRae supports on LBOs and MBOs.

Gilson Gray‘s growing corporate team advises on M&A, funding rounds, restructurings, and operational contracts for clients ranging from SMEs and family businesses to multinationals. The firm has also recently strengthened its offering in private equity, energy, sport, and cross-border work. Findlay Anderson helms the practice and is particularly active across the infrastructure, renewables, and oil and gas sectors, while Derek Hamill, noted for his strength in TMT transactions, advises on a broad range of equity structures. Craig Darling provides key finance support.

Weightmans LLP‘s corporate and commercial team operates as part of a fully integrated UK-wide practice, delivering support on M&A, private equity, and business structuring mandates. The team is particularly active in the healthcare sector and has a client base spanning start-ups, SMEs, and institutional investors. ‘Excellent’ team head Claire McCracken is the key driver behind the firm’s healthcare offering and acts for a range of SMEs in both Scotland and the wider UK. Nicola Gonnella is principally noted for her commercial work across the sport and IT and telecoms sectors.