Spread between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Brodies LLP is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of matters on a local government level, from energy and infrastructure projects to planning and employment-related issues. ‘Consummate professional’ Niall McLean leads the team, regularly handling a broad swathe of issues for local government clients, including child protection, social housing, and compulsory purchase mandates. Fiona McLeod is noted for taking a ‘very clear, thorough and considered’ approach when advising on social housing disposal and stock management, in addition to assisting with guardianships and adult protection. Jamie Dunne is a key name for public procurement issues and subsidy control work, while Douglas Waddell routinely acts in judicial reviews and statutory appeals within the education sector.

Anderson Strathern‘s broad offering advises clients on a vast array of matters involving transport projects and disputes, social housing issues, and employment issues relating to major projects. Audrey Cameron heads the practice from Glasgow and is renowned for her expertise in the laws governing local authorities in relation to regeneration projects, procurements, and governance. Gillian Harkness-McKinlay stands out for her specialism in the creation of arm’s-length external organisations (ALEO) for local authorities and community renewable energy projects.

Burness Paull LLP is noted for handling a variety of immigration, information sharing, and both tech and infrastructure procurement processes. Practice head Graeme Palmer is recommended for his longstanding experience in the creation and operation of ALEOs, local government joint ventures, and procurement. Emma Maxwell utilises her deep knowledge of charity law to assist with transfers of operations from local authorities to ALEOs. Drawing on his prior experience working for the Scottish Futures Trust, Richard Lockhart‘s primary areas of expertise include net-zero projects, with a strong focus on the financing and governance aspects. Jamie Dickson is also a key figure within the practice.

Jointly led by Ailsa Ritchie and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Mark McMurray in Glasgow, the team at CMS routinely advises on subsidy control issues, transport improvement projects, and school extensions. Described by clients as an ‘excellent source of knowledge’ on public sector issues, Ritchie leverages her longstanding experience in advising on major projects and public procurement to assist local councils. McMurray is an expert in flood protection projects and compulsory purchase issues, with a strong focus on regeneration development projects.

Harper Macleod LLP‘s ‘uniquely capable and experienced’ team is well-equipped to handle high-profile disputes on behalf of local authorities, in addition to advising on applications for levelling up funding. Practice co-lead James McMorrow is an expert in assisting local councils with infrastructure projects across the transport, energy, and housing sectors. Co-head Jennifer Jack utilises her ‘excellent judgment’ to handle high-profile judicial reviews and appeals regarding the decisions of regulators and public authorities. Praised by clients for being ‘unflappable in a crisis’, Calum Gee handles a broad range of disputes involving human rights, housing, and planning.

The offering at Morton Fraser MacRoberts handles a broad range of mandates, from planning appeals to governance and commercial issues. The team is also well-placed to advise on community care and highway work, in addition to education-focused matters. Rory Alexander leads the team with his strong focus on planning, regeneration and housing projects, and energy projects, while Cameron Greig is recommended for his experience in handling flood prevention scheme-related claims

Shepherd and Wedderburn is noted for its strong focus on infrastructure work, namely design and build development agreements, energy from waste projects, and redevelopments. In addition to leading the team, Stephen Colliston leads the firm’s projects group, maintaining a strong focus on contentious work. Euan Murray utilises his vast knowledge of public procurement to advise on major construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.