Praised for its ‘extremely professional’ service, Harper Macleod LLP is renowned for its extensive work with registered social landlords (RSLs). The dedicated housing team also acts for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and a range of private sector bodies. The group is under the joint leadership of Derek Hogg, who provides governance, constitutional and funding advice, and James McMorrow, who is experienced in corporate, regulatory, and public procurement matters. Collette Miller regularly supports RSLs with tenancy issues, shared ownership matters, and boundary disagreements. Euan Pirie concentrates on the construction aspects of new-build housing projects, and David McIndoe brings expertise in shared equity schemes.

T C Young is well-regarded for its ‘strong sector experience and knowledge’ in the social housing space, attracting an extensive roster of registered social landlord (RSL) clients. The firm has a strong contentious practice, with Alastair McKendrick handling housing management and debt recovery matters and Andrew Cowan offering representation, mediation, and arbitration services in contractual disputes for RSLs. Cowan co-leads the practice with Alison Brynes, who advises on low-cost home ownership transactions. Lauren Little brings expertise in procurement law, governance, and project financing, Len Freedman acts for funders and RSL in credit facility and bond financing agreements, while Eileen Barr deals with publicly procured contracts.

Lauded for its ‘extensive knowledge of housing matters’, Brodies LLP‘s cross-practice social housing team is well-equipped to support clients including registered social landlords (RSLs), lenders, and local authorities. The team is led by Chris Dun, who is renowned for his expertise in social housing finance and is regularly instructed by banking clients. Fiona McLeod supports housing associations in housing litigation, frequently handling matters related to unauthorised occupiers and obtaining access to properties.

The social housing team at BTO Solicitors LLP features lawyers from a broad range of sectors, including experts in employment, charity, data protection, and corporate law. The team is spearheaded by Grant Hunter, who is experienced in RSL litigation work including tenancy breaches and commercial disputes, and Caroline Carr, an accredited specialist in employment law. Peter Graham is experienced in assisting RSLs with site acquisitions, while Fraser Hopkins offers construction expertise. Karen Brodie retired in March 2023.

Burness Paull LLP fields a ‘very strong team in the housebuilding sector’ and stands out for its work advising affordable housing providers, providing a full range of services from site acquisition to asset management. Peter Chambers leads the team, with vast experience acting for housing associations and developers in relation to affordable housing deals and housing-led regeneration projects. Louise Chambers, promoted to partner in August 2023, advises on social housing acquisition and development, site assembly projects, and real estate finance. David Antonelli assists clients with the acquisition and development of affordable housing.

With ‘great strength on the bench’, Shoosmiths advises on a wide range of social housing projects, particularly focusing on private residential developments. Janette Speed spearheads the team, dealing with commercial and residential development transactions with affordable developers and RSL providers. Key members of the team include Lauren Miller and Gillian Ralph, who act for residential developers providing affordable housing.

Under the leadership of experienced litigator Shirley Evans, Anderson Strathern features accredited specialists in a wide range of areas including charity, commercial real estate, and employment law. The practice includes commercial real estate lawyers Euan Mellor and Neil Fraser, who advise clients on the acquisition and construction of affordable housing.

Headed by Suzanne Hardie, Morton Fraser MacRoberts is well-equipped to manage new build affordable housing projects, public sector development, and security-backed funding schemes. The recent merger integrated Morton Fraser’s social housing development and finance practices with MacRoberts’ expertise in charity and governance, widening the firm's offering in the social housing space. The practice benefits from the banking expertise of Andrew Meakin, who is a key contact for lenders in the social housing market.

A popular choice for RSLs, local authorities and private developers, the multidisciplinary team at Thorntons Law LLP is jointly led by five Dundee-based partners, each specialising in different legal areas: Noele McClelland is an employment expert, Chris Allan supports housing associations on banking and finance matters, and Gillian Buchanan focuses on contentious issues. Additionally, Loretta Maxfield advises on data protection, and David Milne specialises in commercial property law.