Brodies LLP‘s offering is noted for handling the full spectrum of parliamentary and public law issues, including the drafting of supplementary charters and acting in planning litigation. The ‘exceptional’ Christine O’Neill leads the team with her vast knowledge of judicial review proceedings, public inquiries, and the drafting of legislation, often assisting charity and public sector clients. Charles Livingstone is noted for handling complex issues involving the interpretation of proposed legislation governing public sector bodies, membership organisations, and charities. Niall McLean routinely represents government bodies in disputes, while Douglas Waddell is recommended for his specialism in the drafting of harbour revision orders. Lauren Smith is a key name for statutory interpretation and contentious public law work, while Jamie Dunne has vast experience in the drafting of secondary and tertiary legislation.

The offering at Burness Paull LLP stands out for its deep knowledge of statutory interpretation relating to procedures and the exercise of powers, acting for a wide variety of statutory bodies. Practice head Hazel Moffat is a key contact for regulatory bodies and government entities seeking advice on judicial reviews, regulatory investigations, and public inquiries, in addition to having extensive expertise in legislative drafting. Louise McErlean is recommended for her vast experience in statutory interpretation work and appeals to the Inner House, often representing both public and private sector clients. Noted for his ‘brilliant technical knowledge and experience’, Richard Lockhart is well-equipped to advise government bodies on the effects of proposed legislation on projects and procurement issues.

Noted by clients for its ‘unrivalled’ breadth and knowledge, the team at Harper Macleod LLP is spread between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Hailed by clients as the ‘best government public lawyer working in Scotland’, practice co-head Jennifer Jack is well-equipped to handle judicial reviews and appeals against court, tribunal, and public authority decisions. Co-head James McMorrow is a key contact for local authorities and public bodies, often advising on public procurement and commercial matters. The ‘excellent’ Calum Gee routinely assists clients with the interpretation of legislation and statutory procedures, in addition to acting in public inquiries.

Jointly led by Audrey Cameron and Catriona Watt from Glasgow and Edinburgh, respectively, Anderson Strathern acts for a varied range of public sector clients, including independent bodies, non-departmental public bodies, and regulators. Cameron leads the firm’s public sector team and is particularly experienced in assisting with public sector-focused governance and commercial issues, while Watt stands out for her specialism in data protection and privacy and information recovery elements of public inquiries. Consultant Robert Carr has longstanding experience in advising on the implementation of legislation and government relations, while Lorraine Currie is noted for her expertise in data protection and freedom of information (FOI) law, drawing on her prior expertise working for the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Balfour+Manson LLP houses a ‘dedicated, hard-working and highly knowledgeable’ team which is well-equipped to assist both petitioners and respondents in judicial reviews. The team is also adept at handling electoral issues. The ‘very experienced and competent’ practice co-lead Elaine Motion often assists clients with regulatory disputes and challenges to planning applications, in addition to advising on petitions for judicial reviews, while Lindsay McCosh is noted for her knowledge of human rights law and is particularly active on judicial reviews. The ‘unstoppable’ Sindi Mules is also experienced in handling judicial reviews and appeals with a strong focus on planning and environmental legal issues, jointly leading the team alongside Motion.