Department profile
Brodies LLP

Local Government

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Brodies LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Brodies LLP

Brodies' local government practice is unmatched in terms of its experience and expertise. We have more than 80 lawyers working in the sector, and advise major city councils as well as clients who operate across Scotland; from Shetland to the Borders. We also act in UK matters, including heat and power projects and cross border litigation.

We field multi-disciplinary teams for major local authority projects, and expertise within our firm includes niche areas: governance, election law, judicial review and statutory appeals, private legislation, local government finance, investigations and ALEOS, including for district heating schemes and sport and leisure.

Clients trust us with instructions of a sensitive nature; from internal investigations arising from whistleblowing, to providing advice directly to council and committee meetings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Brodies has a top-class local government practice with significant knowledge of infrastructure and governance matters. The firm has strong sector experience and is often instructed to handle the most complex and high-profile issues in Scotland. It has recently been involved in a series of innovative projects, and acts for major city councils across Scotland, as well as elsewhere in the UK. In addition, the team provides a range of resources to local authorities including advice on judicial reviews and issues arising out of the pandemic.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Brodies LLP advised Argyll & Bute council on a number of transport and infrastructure related issues.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We value Brodies because they are expert, pragmatic and deliver. They understand the public sector nuances and the political environment. They provide balanced innovative solutions to meet our needs.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Brodies is strong in all areas we have needed. The team is very attentive, client focused and has the experience we need with a personal approach.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Brodies really understands the way in which the local government operates and have a broad range of expertise in this area. Lawyers are always quick to respond with logical, well reasoned advice.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • The lawyers at Brodies all have formidable intellect and are able to break down the most complex of matters into the simplest of dimensions. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They are excellent.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • One real strength of Brodies is their ability to distil difficult matters in a way that enables the client to make informed decisions.

    Local Government respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Niall McLean
    Niall McLean

    Niall McLean

    Niall McLean regularly acts on contentious matters on behalf of local authorities. He has strength across a spectrum of matters, including sensitive employment disputes, investigations and housing litigation.

    • Niall is very supportive and has been excellent in understanding our business needs.

      Local Government respondentUK

    • Niall has excellent practical knowhow and puts the client at ease. He manages and overviews matters so well too.

      Local Government respondentUK

    • Niall is a trusted legal adviser with a comprehensive understanding of the environment we work in.

      Local Government respondentUK

    • Niall is an excellent lawyer.

      Local Government respondentUK

    • Niall can turn his hand to everything. He provides holistic advice.

      Local Government respondentUK
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  • Jamie Dunne
    Jamie Dunne

    Jamie Dunne

    Jamie Dunne is a senior associate in the local government team at Brodies. He specialises in advising third parties in dealings with local authorities, public procurement law and compulsory purchase, among other areas.

    • Jamie is exceptionally helpful and is commercially astute.

      Local Government respondentUK

    • Jamie is an excellent lawyer.

      Local Government respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Brodies LLP (2)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Brodies LLP

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