With its ‘excellent capability of achieving results and positive outcomes’, Brodies LLP is a popular destination for investors, developers, blue-chip companies, and contractors. Louise Shiels leads the contentious construction group, representing clients in a wide range of dispute avoidance and dispute resolution work. The contentious practice also includes Magnus Quigg and David Arnott, who represent major contractors, employers, and subcontractors, as well as Christopher Duff, experienced in PFI schemes and building defect claims. Alistair Mclean heads the transactional construction group, with considerable experience handling commercial developments and built-to-rent accommodation. The non-contentious practice also includes Jane McMonagle, who is increasingly active in English projects, and Kirsteen Milne, with notable expertise in NEC contracts.

The team at Pinsent Masons LLP is highly esteemed for its ability to manage large-scale projects across the infrastructure, real estate, and energy sectors. Michael Allan is an ‘expert advisor’ who leads the transactional construction practice, while Louise Forster spearheads the contentious team, handling high-profile disputes and public inquiries. The firm’s strength in the energy sector is further bolstered by Nicholas Carlin, who assists clients with supply chain arrangements in the renewables market, and Julia Maguire, focusing on procurement and contracting strategies for projects both in the UK and internationally. Meanwhile, Colin Fraser specialises in UK infrastructure contracts, with particular expertise in dispute avoidance and resolution.

Burness Paull LLP is well-equipped to handle major renewable energy and infrastructure projects, as well as residential and commercial property developments. The practice is helmed by Mark Kirke, who joined in May 2023 from CMS, bringing substantial expertise in representing developers and contractors in construction disputes. Caroline Maciver supports housebuilders and developers with building safety regulation compliance and offers a wealth of experience in adjudication, arbitration, litigation, and mediation. On the non-contentious front, James Forbes is actively involved in the energy, roads, and development sectors, while Gavin Paton is adept at procurement strategies and construction risk assessment. Fenella Mason left the firm in July 2023.

CMS offers ‘excellent advice and reassurance’ to clients involved in complex projects and disputes across key sectors such as energy, accommodation, and life sciences, as well as PFI, healthcare, and transport. The practice is co-headed by Shona Frame, who is highly regarded for her expertise in construction dispute resolution. Fenella Mason, who recently joined the team in September 2023 from Burness Paull LLP, also brings a strong background in this area. Christine Worthington, who jointly leads the practice with Frame, provides support to a diverse client base, including real estate investors, property developers, local authorities, and renewable energy developers. Christopher Dickson specialises in procurement and construction contracts, while Laura West is another key member of the contentious team. Mark Kirke left the firm in May 2023.

Shepherd and Wedderburn is adept at managing real estate developments, energy projects, and high-value disputes for both contractors and employers. Led by Euan McLeod, the team has recently been involved in significant renewable energy initiatives and high-profile redevelopment projects. Consultant Lauren Thomson contributes her expertise in building contracts, professional appointments, and ancillary documentation. On the non-contentious side, Euan Murray brings his experience in clean energy projects and public procurement, while Paul Young, who joined the firm in January 2023 from Dentons, specialises in real estate development and investment. Key contentious contacts include Iain Drummond, a seasoned litigator handling construction disputes for contractors and employers, and Nathaniel Buckingham, who focuses on private finance projects.

Addleshaw Goddard is actively engaged in mainstream real estate projects, with capabilities extending to energy, PFI, and infrastructure projects. Anne Struckmeier helms the practice, representing employers, insurers, and contractors in a variety of disputes related to property, energy, and utilities. Peter Clyde bolsters the team’s contentious expertise, specialising in defect claims and final account disputes. Meanwhile, Gordon Anderson advises on mixed-use, regeneration, and infrastructure projects, supporting purchasers and suppliers with procurement strategies, construction contracts, and warranties.

Led by procurement specialist Mark Macaulay, Dentons is able to advise on all transactional construction matters, including contracts, collateral warranties, and professional appointments. Kirsti Olson, who manages significant disputes in the transport, energy, and PFI/PPP sectors, is experienced in a range of resolution processes including court proceedings, arbitration, adjudication, and mediation. Also specialising in construction dispute resolution, Linzi Hedalen advises on issues relating to insolvencies, defects, and PPP.

With a focus on affordable homes, civil and engineering contracts, sustainable projects, and disputes, Harper Macleod LLP’s construction and engineering group is under the joint leadership of Michael Conroy, Euan Pirie, and Laura McCorquodale. Conroy’s practice includes a mixture of transactional and contentious matters, advising developers, contractors, funders, and claims consultants. Pirie supports both public and private sector clients, with extensive experience in procurement and contract negotiation. McCorquodale is a skilled commercial litigator who handles payment disputes, defects, and professional negligence claims against construction professionals.

Anderson Strathern serves a diverse range of clients including public bodies, contractors, education institutions, and developers. The team is co-led by Martin Whiteford, who specialises in non-contentious construction issues, particularly focusing on procurement strategies and construction contracts. Fellow practice co-head Pat Loftus concentrates on the urban regeneration and renewables sector, providing advice on commercial contracts and their associated risks. In August 2023, Karyn Watt retired from the partnership and transitioned to a consultant role, and Alistair Dean left the firm.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart handles the full spectrum of construction issues, from negotiating lease and development agreements to resolving disputes through arbitration and adjudication. The practice is directed by Simone Young, who brings extensive experience advising on all aspects of transactional construction issues. Key team member Bruce Lancaster focuses on advising property developers on office, retail, and residential projects.

Following the November 2023 merger of Morton Fraser and MacRoberts, the construction team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts is now able to offer an expanded range of contentious and non-contentious services. The combined group is led by contentious construction law specialist Neil Kelly, who supports employers, contractors, consultants, and insurers. Jonathan Seddon focuses on real estate development including build-to-rent, student accommodation, and commercial property, advising developers, banks, occupiers, and consultants. Jennifer McKay is particularly adept at handling PFI/PPP disputes, while Gavin Thomson’s expertise encompasses a wide range of dispute resolution and dispute avoidance work.

Known best for its insurance expertise, BTO Solicitors LLP fields a ‘strong team of very competent and knowledgeable’ construction lawyers. The department is spearheaded by Fraser Hopkins, who focuses on dispute resolution and risk avoidance. Michael Kitson is a key figure within the team, advising both public and private sector clients on the procurement aspects of construction projects.

Under the leadership of Ian McCann, the construction and engineering department at Shoosmiths excels in assisting public and private sector clients with non-contentious matters. The firm is actively involved in the living sector, notably providing advice on developments such as purpose-built student accommodation and build-to-rent projects.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s Scottish construction practice is led by Lisa Dromoole, who also helms the firm’s national construction disputes group. The department is proficient in managing a variety of disputes, including those related to contracts and negligence. The team represents clients in the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts and is also skilled in adjudication and arbitration.