Department profile
Axiom Advocates

Commercial Dispute Resolution

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Scotland (Bar)


Axiom Advocates

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Commercial Dispute Resolution - Scotland (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Axiom Advocates offers a first-class bench of advocates who possess deep knowledge of commercial and legal issues of importance to various industry sectors. Its client roster includes the Scottish government, major corporations and financial institutions. Advocates at the stable are instructed across a wide range of areas such as contract disputes, real estate, insolvency and company law and professional negligence. Recent work highlights include Duke of Argyll v Secretary of State for Defence, concerning a major claim relating to ongoing land contamination issues.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are the highest-quality advocates in terms of court skills, strategic insight and intellectual firepower.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsRoddy Dunlop
    Star IndividualsRoddy Dunlop

    Roddy Dunlop

    Roddy Dunlop KC is the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and generally held to be the most accomplished advocate in Scotland. He is noted for the breadth of his practice, as well as his assertive and persuasive advocacy before the Bench. He boasts a strong track record in complex commercial and contractual litigation, and in major banking disputes. He also receives plaudits for his handling of media and professional discipline matters.

    • Complex points are presented with elegance and simplicity.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1David Massaro
    Band 1David Massaro

    David Massaro

    David Massaro is recommended by multiple sources as a strong advocate with an established commercial practice. He brings significant know-how to contractual, commercial property and insolvency disputes. He is also adept at handling professional negligence and construction cases.

    • he is extremely thorough and incredibly detailed orientated.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1David Thomson
    Band 1David Thomson

    David Thomson

    David Thomson KC is an experienced advocate in particularly high demand for insolvency, real estate and company litigation. He comes recommended for especially difficult and complex commercial and contractual claims. He is also experienced in the handling of professional negligence and tax disputes.

    • You know that he will fight your client's corner to the end. He is extremely commercially aware and doesn't shy away from giving clients practical commercial advice.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Ewen Campbell
    Band 1Ewen Campbell

    Ewen Campbell

    Ewen Campbell receives widespread praise from instructing solicitors and lay clients alike. He has a broad practice encompassing commercial, professional negligence and public procurement disputes. He is experienced in appearing before the Commercial Court, the Inner House and the sheriff courts.

    • Ewen is intelligent and pragmatic in equal measure. He has a very reassuring, calm approach to litigation and is always well prepared for any hearing or consultation.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Garry Borland
    Band 1Garry Borland

    Garry Borland

    Garry Borland KC comes highly recommended for complex, high-value commercial and contractual matters and is regularly cited as a standout advocate for construction and engineering disputes. He is also frequently instructed in insolvency, tax and professional liability proceedings. He has handled disputes arising across a number of industry sectors including financial services, energy and insurance.

    • He has the ability to distil incredibly difficult and novel arguments into a readily understandable format. Exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced, he is invaluable to forming client strategy.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Kenneth McBrearty
    Band 1Kenneth McBrearty

    Kenneth McBrearty

    Kenneth McBrearty KC has a breadth of expertise spanning a wide variety of commercial disputes, including partnership and IP cases. He is noted for his handling of major real estate and professional negligence matters. He is particularly experienced in litigating in the Court of Session and the Supreme Court. He is also regularly instructed in cases concerning administrative and human rights law.

    • He provides balanced and straightforward advice, taking into account both the law and the commercial backdrop.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Mark Lindsay
    Band 1Mark Lindsay

    Mark Lindsay

    Mark Lindsay KC is able to call upon broad commercial litigation experience, including in several major shareholder and contractual disputes, in addition to offering expertise in professional discipline and competition matters. He also possesses considerable experience in public and administrative law, having been a standing junior to the Home Secretary prior to taking silk. He has appeared before the ECJ, House of Lords and Supreme Court.

    • Mark has given the clients insightful advice that sets out the legal issues in a manner that the clients can understand – including, importantly, with regard to the prospects of success.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Paul O'Brien
    Band 1Paul O'Brien

    Paul O'Brien

    Paul O'Brien KC is consistently rated by sources as one of the most intellectually able performers at the Scottish Bar. His key areas of focus include IP and professional negligence. He has also been instructed in complex commercial property and insolvency matters. He has appeared in cases before the Inner House and the UK Supreme Court.

    • An excellent advocate – exceptionally quick on his feet and thorough on the detail.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Adam McKinlay
    Band 2Adam McKinlay

    Adam McKinlay

    Adam McKinlay acts for corporate clients in a variety of disputes. His experience encompasses high-value contractual claims as well as professional liability and construction mandates.

    • A really bright and capable young junior.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Alastair Duncan
    Band 2Alastair Duncan

    Alastair Duncan

    Alastair Duncan KC is a leading silk in the field of professional negligence whose abilities are also in high demand for commercial contract disputes. He handles partnership and IT litigation, as well as disputes affecting sports clients and public law matters.

    • Alastair is an extremely experienced senior counsel in professional negligence cases and someone I would not hesitate to instruct.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Gerry Moynihan
    Band 2Gerry Moynihan

    Gerry Moynihan

    Gerry Moynihan KC maintains a strong reputation in the market for his considerable experience in construction, planning, public law and professional liability matters. He is also well versed in dealing with purely commercial disputes.

    • An excellent lawyer who has the ear of the court. Brilliant.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Jonathan Barne
    Band 2Jonathan Barne

    Jonathan Barne

    Jonathan Barne KC exhibits meticulous preparation and a robust style of advocacy. He has been instructed in a broad range of cases, including construction and engineering contract disputes and commercial property matters. His clients typically include major energy companies, financial institutions and the Scottish government. His practice also encompasses professional negligence, insolvency and administrative law.

  • Band 2Neil Davidson of Glen Clova
    Band 2Neil Davidson of Glen Clova

    Neil Davidson of Glen Clova

    Lord Davidson of Glen Clova KC is highlighted for his strong tactical sense and formidable cross-examination abilities. He is well known for acting in large international disputes covering a range of commercial matters. His experience covers litigation in the Court of Session and the ECJ, as well as the representation of clients in mediations and arbitrations.

    • A superb strategist with immense experience and great insight into the mind of the bench – a brilliantly understated cross-examiner.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Chris Paterson
    Band 3Chris Paterson

    Chris Paterson

    Chris Paterson is best known for his expertise in the professional liability sphere, defending healthcare, legal and construction professionals, among others, in a range of high-stakes proceedings. He also has notable experience in contractual disputes and commercial property litigation. He is currently a standing junior counsel to the Scottish Government.

    • He reads and understands his brief to the letter' he is always well prepared, sees the traps before you fall into them, thinks deeply about difficult issues in his cases and explores all the angles.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Elisabeth Roxburgh
    Band 3Elisabeth Roxburgh

    Elisabeth Roxburgh

    Elisabeth Roxburgh is an esteemed advocate who has developed an impressive reputation among her peers. She is frequently instructed in a variety of commercial matters, including contractual and insolvency disputes.

    • She is meticulously prepared, has a great eye for detail, is able to explain difficult concepts simply and has a keen sense of how the court will view the strength or weakness of arguments.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Gavin Walker
    Band 3Gavin Walker

    Gavin Walker

    Gavin Walker KC has developed an excellent reputation in a number of areas, including construction, real estate, insolvency and professional negligence. He frequently represents surveyors, architects and engineers in complex professional liability disputes.

  • Band 3James Mure
    Band 3James Mure

    James Mure

    James Mure KC acts for clients in major contractual and commercial property disputes. His expertise in these areas is complemented by in-depth knowledge of public law, procurement and planning issues. He is also well versed in environmental and constitutional law. His clients include local authorities, public bodies and the government.

    • He is technically expert and a delight to work with.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3John MacGregor
    Band 3John MacGregor

    John MacGregor

    John MacGregor KC maintains a broad commercial dispute resolution practice complemented by his strong focus on public law. He is noted for his representation of financial institutions in disputes concerning financial products. He is also well regarded for his handling of high-value cases involving commercial contracts, shareholder disputes and professional negligence matters.

    • He is a force to be reckoned with. He has a great manner with clients and works well in large teams.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Jonathan Brown
    Band 3Jonathan Brown

    Jonathan Brown

    Jonathan Brown is active in professional negligence cases, as well as contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes. He also represents clients in insolvency, professional discipline and commercial property matters. He impresses interviewees with the depth of his experience in a variety of complex commercial disputes.

    • A heavy hitter who you want in your corner when things are tough. He is particularly strong in property and partnership disputes.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Jonathan is a heavy hitter in all aspects of commercial litigation. He is an asset in any complex litigation.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Murray Steel
    Band 3Murray Steel

    Murray Steel

    Murray Steel has developed an impressive profile for his handling of commercial disputes, with particular skill in construction matters. His areas of expertise also include professional liability and insurance claims.

    • He is good with clients and has a good way about him – nothing but positive things to say.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Roisin Higgins
    Band 3Roisin Higgins

    Roisin Higgins

    Roisin Higgins KC enjoys an impressive reputation as one of the Scottish Bar's leading authorities on IP-related issues. She has additional expertise in commercial contract, construction and property disputes. She has experience representing clients before the Court of Session and the sheriff courts, and in arbitration proceedings.

    • She is a first-class written and oral advocate.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Ross McClelland
    Band 3Ross McClelland

    Ross McClelland

    Ross McClelland is a well-regarded advocate recommended for a wide spread of commercial disputes, including contractual, commercial property and professional negligence matters. He has experience acting as sole advocate in both the Court of Session and the Glasgow Sheriff Court. He is also known for his representation of clients in mediation and arbitration proceedings.

    • One of the best advocates in Scotland.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Susan Ower
    Band 3Susan Ower

    Susan Ower

    Susan Ower KC is a highly regarded advocate with substantial experience handling complex and high-profile commercial contract disputes, and is highly rated for her insolvency and banking and finance practice. She is currently standing junior counsel to the Scottish Government Legal Directorate.

    • Susan is exceptional on her feet and clients appreciate her ‘no nonsense’ approach.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Axiom Advocates (23)

Scotland (Bar)

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