Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Administrative & Public Law - Scotland (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Axiom Advocates possesses numerous prominent public law advocates who routinely act in the highest courts in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Members, praised for their "unrivalled knowledge of public law and their wholly impressive advocacy skills", are instructed in judicial reviews involving a range of issues, from immigration rules and human rights to procurement and constitutional law. The advocates, one source says, "consistently demonstrate a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances inherent in public law matters" and count the Scottish Government and many local authorities among their clients. The stable fielded counsel on both sides of Joanna Cherry's prorogation judicial review in 2019. Recently, members have acted on behalf of Greenpeace in the first Scottish case to consider the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Finch. The challenge related to the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields and whether their licences should be quashed.

Lesley Flynn leads the team.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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David Welsh
Star Individuals

David Welsh is sought after by prominent solicitors to handle complex and high-profile challenges. He acts for petitioners and respondents in judicial reviews involving questions of constitutional and commercial law, or the regulation of the professions.

David is outstanding. He has a tremendous mind and is sensible yet fearless.

David is incredibly bright, proactive and works collaboratively. He builds confidence with clients as he approaches every case diligently and is clearly motivated to get the right result.

David brings commercial awareness, which he combines with his exceptional legal analysis.

David is an extraordinary talent who is well beyond his years.

1
David Johnston
1
Band 1

David Johnston KC maintains an active public law practice and regularly represents the Scottish Government and other public bodies in legislative and regulatory challenges. His public law practice is wide-ranging, and past instructions include cases concerning professional discipline, nationality and costs litigation. He is also experienced in human rights matters.

David is very well respected and known to have the ear of the court.

David helps on difficult legal issues, and he is excellent at distilling down complex legal arguments into something simple.

1
Kenneth McBrearty
1
Band 1

Kenneth McBrearty KC operates a varied public law practice. His strong common law background makes him particularly suitable for judicial reviews with some commercial, property or professional negligence aspect. He is also active in challenges with a human rights crossover.

Kenny is a real all-rounder. He is very commercial and very good at communicating with clients.

Kenneth is impressive with his grasp of significant and sensitive public law issues.

1
Lesley Irvine
1
Band 1

Lesley Irvine is a go-to advocate for complex judicial reviews. She acts on behalf of petitioners and respondents in a wide array of public law challenges, regularly appearing before the UK Supreme Court. She is particularly active on matters involving human rights, EU or constitutional law.

Lesley is absolutely brilliant and has a highly forensic brain.

Lesley is a tenacious advocate with a real attention to detail. She leaves no stone unturned and applies her mind to every possible point that could be argued.

1
Mark Lindsay
1
Band 1

Mark Lindsay KC has extensive experience acting for petitioners and respondents, including government departments, in high-profile public law challenges. He advises on state aid and public procurement issues. Additional areas of expertise include professional discipline, education, environment and data protection.

Mark is an invaluable asset in navigating complex public law issues. He gives insightful and strategic advice and dissects key issues. He is pragmatic and collegial.

Mark delivers accessible and commercial advice, and he builds good relationships with clients easily.

1
Roddy Dunlop
1
Band 1

Roddy Dunlop KC operates a celebrated practice which includes a number of high-profile instructions in administrative and public law. He regularly appears for the Parole Board for Scotland and a wide variety of other defendants, including professional and sporting associations. He also acts for petitioners in commercial judicial review.

Roddy's extensive expertise and strategic acumen have consistently provided us with invaluable support in navigating high-stakes public law disputes. He is robust and tenacious.

1
Ruth Crawford
1
Band 1

Ruth Crawford KC is often seen in challenging and complex judicial reviews and regulatory appeals. She represents petitioners and respondents in a range of public law cases, including those relating to professional regulation, human rights, procurement and commercial matters. She is also frequently instructed to advise public bodies on legislative interpretation.

Ruth provides clear, practical advice. She is very much willing to roll her sleeves up to get the work done.

Ruth always has the ear of the court. She knows what will stick and what will not.

2
Ewen Campbell
2
Band 2

Ewen Campbell is a standing junior counsel to the Scottish Government and regularly appears in the Court of Session as well as Sheriff Courts. He draws on his background as a solicitor to provide expert advice and representation to ministers, public bodies and commercial clients in a wide range of public law matters.

Ewen is a very safe pair of hands.

2
Gerry Moynihan
2
Band 2

Gerry Moynihan KC offers a breadth of administrative and public law expertise which includes commercial, human rights and regulatory challenges. He represents the Scottish Government, local authorities and petitioners in judicial reviews and related civil proceedings before domestic and European courts. He is also experienced at acting in public inquiries.

2
James Mure
2
Band 2

James Mure KC receives instructions from the Scottish Government, local authorities and other clients in the public sector. He has handled public law claims involving environmental, constitutional and human rights law.

James is a very bright and very intelligent litigator.

James is always on top of the detail, while offering very clear guidance on strategy. He most definitely has the ear of the court.

2
John MacGregor
2
Band 2

John MacGregor KC acts for petitioners, respondents and interveners in a wide range of judicial reviews and regulatory appeals. He has extensive experience handling public law disputes involving police and local government law. He has particular depth of knowledge in mental health matters.

John always accommodates us and gives excellent and clear advice.

John is always responsive and provides pragmatic and clear strategic advice. He is a great tactician in court.

3
James Wolffe KC
3
Band 3

James Wolffe KC is a distinguished senior who served as Lord Advocate for five years, and Dean of Faculty prior to that. He has appeared in landmark constitutional cases such as the Miller judicial reviews concerning the triggering of Article 50 and the prorogation of Parliament.

He's a very renowned senior silk.

Ranked Barristers at
Axiom Advocates

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Scotland (Bar)

Administrative & Public Law

1
David Johnston KC
1
Band 1
1
Kenneth McBrearty KC
1
Band 1
1
Mark Lindsay KC
1
Band 1
1
Roddy Dunlop KC
1
Band 1
1
Ruth Crawford KC
1
Band 1
2
Gerry Moynihan KC
2
Band 2
2
James Mure KC
2
Band 2
2
John MacGregor KC
2
Band 2
3
James Wolffe KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

Scotland (Bar)

Administrative & Public Law

David Welsh
Star Individuals
1
Lesley Irvine
1
Band 1
2
Ewen Campbell
2
Band 2