Parliamentary & Public Affairs
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
Provided by Brodies LLP
We provide support, advice and litigation in all aspects of parliamentary and public affairs,
in relation to legislative drafting; parliamentary advice and support; judicial review; public
inquiries; local government; and public procurement.
We are instructed in high profile public law cases in the Scottish Courts and UK Supreme Court and we are regularly involved in thought leadership, shaping and commenting on proposed legislation. Among our expert lawyers is Christine O'Neill, who is First Standing Junior to Scottish Ministers and Charles Livingstone, who is an expert on constitutional matter and has drafted and challenged Acts of the Scottish Parliament. We also have Niall McLean, who handles a broad range of legislative drafting and public sector disputes, and partner Jackie McGuire who has significant experience of handling legislative matters and politically sensitive issues.
Chambers Review
Brodies has an impressive public law offering which sees the team advising on high-profile matters within the context of parliamentary and public affairs work including a range of governance and drafting mandates. The team has practitioners with strong advocacy skills and an excellent knowledge of EU public law. It acts on behalf of a wide range of private, public and third sector clients.
Work Highlights
- Brodies assisted Zero Waste Scotland in reviewing Scottish government legislation relating to its status and conversion into a Non-Departmental Public Body.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Brodies have got experts in areas of public law, and the quality of the people is visible. They make our life easy."
"Brodies have a very strong team and their advice is spot-on."
"Brodies embrace working together with clients and show great flexibility."
"Brodies have got experts in areas of public law, and the quality of the people is visible. They make our life easy."
"Brodies have a very strong team and their advice is spot-on."
"Brodies embrace working together with clients and show great flexibility."
Notable Practitioners
Christine O'Neill KC heads the parliamentary practice at Brodies and is chair of the firm. She is lauded for acting on government litigation, advising on bill drafting, and is particularly well regarded for her expertise in constitutional matters.
"Christine O'Neill is very capable of understanding when arguments can hold water or not. She has worked with a lot of sensitive stuff and has good experience."
"Christine is an excellent lawyer. She is very astute."
"Christine's advice is second to none."
"Christine O’Neill’s eminence and expertise are evident when you work with her."
"Her ability to give sage advice that is both a clear reading of the law whilst showing a sensitivity to clients’ needs and challenges makes for a highly trusted and valued relationship."
Charles Livingstone is noted for his expertise in public law and parliamentary affairs. He routinely advises on regulatory compliance and legislative drafting, and has experience producing Scottish parliamentary bills.
"Charles covers a lot of ground and I would have no hesitation working with him. He is a very steady and firm set of hands."
"Charles Livingstone is highly effective and always able to direct us to the people we need."
"Charles is very strategic in his thinking and offers solutions we hadn't considered. He can come up with business-focused solutions, and doesn't just look at things from a legal angle."
"He is an excellent dispenser of wisdom."
Ranked Lawyers at
Brodies LLP
Scotland