Commercial Dispute Resolution

Ampersand Advocates is admired for its skilful work in high-profile commercial disputes. The stable offers a large team comprising highly rated advocates at the senior and junior levels. The advocates are instructed on behalf of corporations and financial institutions and are involved in a variety of related areas of practice including intellectual property and insolvency. Recent work highlights include Rankine v Livingston FC Limited, a series of disputes arising out of the acquisition of Livingston FC concerning allegations of fraud and shadow directorship. A commentator remarks: "Ampersand is one of the go-to stables in Scotland for any commercial property dispute."

"The clerking team are really good - proactive and pragmatic. They are extremely good at recognising the commercial realities of litigation in this space."

"Advocates' clerk Alan Moffat understands the needs and pressures on me as solicitor; he can resolve issues as painlessly as possible."

"The standard of clerking is absolutely first-class."

"The clerks are responsive at providing responses to requests for instructions and at providing fee estimates and timescales."

"All of the Ampersand clerks are very responsive to emails and telephone calls."

Robert Howie KC undertakes instructions in all areas of commercial law but is especially celebrated for the depth of his knowledge in marine law cases. He is also highly regarded for complex construction, insolvency and professional negligence disputes. He is experienced in appearing before the UK Supreme Court and the Inner and Outer Houses of the Court of Session. "He is very strong on construction matters."

Ross Anderson is a strong junior with a very strong reputation in the market. He is highlighted for acting in a wide range of high-value commercial disputes, as well as in tax and property matters. He has experience appearing before the sheriff courts and the Court of Session. He is particularly adept at handling cross-border matters. "Ross is a go-to counsel for property disputes. He is very accessible, bright and the quality of his written work is very good. In my view, he has the experience to deal alone with complex matters." "Ross is one of the best non-silks. He gives clients a lot of assurance and he is also seen as one of the leading advocates in all of Scotland." "Ross is a junior who is at the top of his game. He is excellent and he works well with the senior counsels we have been instructing with him." "Ross has an ability to crack on with complex factual matters and really understand the factual issues, which then allows him to be one step ahead in relation to the legal arguments." "Ross is one of the best juniors at the Scottish Bar. He's a joy to work with and there is no case which is too complex."

Timothy Young is frequently instructed led or unled in complex disputes involving commercial contracts, property and other issues. "Timothy is extremely bright and capable; he is impressive." "Timothy operates at the very top end of the junior Bar. He shows an understanding and has experience of complex areas of corporate, property and commercial law which few can match."

Giles Reid is a notable junior who cultivates a broad commercial practice. He acts in cases in the Court of Session and is instructed in litigation concerning contract disputes, property, loan agreements and other matters. "Giles Reid always ensures he meets deadlines. He is very responsive and always makes himself available." "He is very knowledgeable on property matters." "Giles is absolutely excellent - super bright and quick in terms of thinking on his feet as to what is going on." "His research is very good."

Eoghainn MacLean is a well-respected advocate who is well placed to handle complex commercial disputes. He also offers strength in property, professional liability and competition claims. "Eoghainn spent a lot of time trying to work the matter out and explain it to those of whose knowledge of the law is minimal."

Graeme Hawkes KC is a well-regarded and experienced advocate who is recommended by market commentators as a sound choice for banking and real estate litigation, in addition to purely commercial matters. He is also increasingly instructed in shipping, construction and professional negligence matters. He frequently represents clients before the sheriff courts and the Court of Session. "Graeme is able to cram huge amounts of complex information. He can help us with complex and high-value matters."

Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC's commercial practice focuses on representing the Scottish Government in cases concerning procurement, compulsory purchase and other matters. She has additional experience acting in complex claims arising from corporate insolvency. "Very diligent with strong attention to detail."

Mark Boni has experience as a solicitor and at the Bar in a range of commercial litigation. He is regularly instructed in contractual and intellectual property disputes. "Mark was always really easy to work with, positive and would quickly get to grips with the essential factual issues in order to pick up instruction at short notice." "Mark provides an incredible level of service. He's responsive and very easy to work with." "Mark remains on the top of the list when considering instructing counsel."

Michael Way is an up-and-coming junior with strength in commercial property matters. He is also noted for expertise in other areas such as shareholder disputes and insolvency. "Michael has the ear of the court and he is very good on his feet and during client meetings." "Michael's advocacy skills are excellent and command the ear of the court. He is also approachable, commercial, and able to grasp the most complex of legal issues - a rising star at the Scottish Bar." "Michael is incredibly bright. He sees and considers the full picture and he can also distil things into clear advice." "Michael is diligent, his written pleadings are excellent, and he is very good on his feet and always responds promptly." "Michael is relatively junior as counsel but shows his ability beyond his years of experience. He was commercially minded and inventive in his arguments."

Following his experience as a solicitor, Nicholas McAndrew is a highly sought-after junior for his commercial and client-friendly approach to commercial disputes. He focuses his practice on disputes in the construction sector. "Nick is an excellent advocate and a go-to junior. He is helpful and commercial, with strong advocacy skills, and has a great client manner reflective of his time as a solicitor." "Nicholas has come from the solicitor route to the Bar, so he's also aware of what we have to deliver with the client and what they're looking for."

Paul Reid is an established professional negligence specialist who is instructed in a wide range of commercial matters. He is adept at handling contract and shareholder disputes, among other issues. "Paul provides good and clear advice; he has that ability to speak to clients in a manner that is understandable on a complex matter."

Usman Tariq is a well-regarded barrister with broad experience across a range of high-value commercial, insolvency, banking and contractual disputes. He impresses with his work on high-profile IP matters. He also elicits praise for his strong work ethic and approachable style during cases. His experience covers litigation at all levels of the Scottish court system and before the UK Supreme Court. "Usman is very approachable and he can translate a complex matter into plain English." "Usman is superb on his feet. He has got great empathy with judges and he is very popular with the judiciary."