Local Government
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
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
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.
Work Highlights
- Brodies advised the Stirling Council on drafting an application for a direction order under section 3 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Brodies are a very strong practice and have some big hitters. They are very well-established and do high-value and complicated work."
"Brodies consistently add value to what we do. They are available, efficient, approachable and focused on what the client wants and needs, tailoring themselves to deliver on that."
"The standard of service is exceptionally high, tailored at the right level. Clients always feel well-supported, encouraged and have full confidence in Brodies."
"Brodies are excellent. They are our go-to firm for our trickiest and most high-profile matters."
"Brodies are a very strong practice and have some big hitters. They are very well-established and do high-value and complicated work."
"Brodies consistently add value to what we do. They are available, efficient, approachable and focused on what the client wants and needs, tailoring themselves to deliver on that."
"The standard of service is exceptionally high, tailored at the right level. Clients always feel well-supported, encouraged and have full confidence in Brodies."
"Brodies are excellent. They are our go-to firm for our trickiest and most high-profile matters."
Notable Practitioners
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 McLean is excellent.He is able to digest vast volumes of documentation and identify the key points quickly. His advice is always extremely clear and helpful."
"Niall provided excellent advice and assistance on complex and demanding legal issues, projects and transactions."
"He is an excellent go-to person. He understands the public sector very well and understands the financial and reputational risks for the public sector."
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 understands operational matters and detail very well and is able to turn that into understandable language for clients."
"He is a first-class operator who gets to grips with the salient details of a matter quickly. He provides succinct advice and his knowledge of the public sector is extensive."
"Jamie provides very clear, concise advice in a very client-focused manner."