Administrative & Public Law

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 one of the foremost public law seniors for matters of constitutional importance."

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 Welsh is a particularly impressive junior advocate. He has a tremendous grasp of complex matters and an ability to simplify them. He is always very responsive and easy to work with."

"David is an excellent all-rounder. He is exceptionally academically able but also pragmatic and commercially aware."

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 can crunch through big issues and he has a very reassuring manner in the court."

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.

"The court listens to everything Kenneth has to say. The quality of his work is absolutely outstanding."

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 in matters involving human rights, EU or constitutional law.

"Lesley is the go-to junior for complicated public law litigation, particularly for cases involving civil liberties and human rights. She has an unrivalled eye for detail."

"She is an exceptional lawyer."

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

"Mark is particularly adept at narrowing the focus of confused and muddled grounds of challenges. He presents them to the client and the court in a way that gets to the crux of the issue."

"Mark can make complex arguments in a simple way. He commands the ear of the court."

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.

"We regularly instruct Roddy due to his extensive knowledge, experience and advocacy skills in this area."

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 is outstanding. She is very clear and very thorough."

"Ruth presents well at court, on paper and with clients."

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 has a pragmatic approach to litigation."

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.

James Wolffe KC is an eminently 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.

"James has considerable skill in distilling complex legal and factual scenarios into clear and focused advice."

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.

"His willingness to assist is exceeded only by his exceptional ability."

Daniel Byrne draws on his deep expertise in human rights law to represent petitioners and respondents in administrative and public law challenges. He is particularly strong in the context of immigration and asylum appeals. Other recent mandates include cases concerning planning, housing and criminal justice.He is frequently instructed by local authorities.

"His knowledge of public law as well as skills in written and oral advocacy are some of the best in Scotland."