Department profile
Brodies LLP

Parliamentary & Public Affairs

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

Share profile

Brodies LLP

Rankings

About

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

Provided by Chambers

Parliamentary & Public Affairs - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
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.
View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Brodies was instructed to provide advice pro-bono for JUSTICE, a cross-party law reform charity. It contributed to the development of a handbook for new MPs.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Brodies understands our business and provides succinct advice, in plain English, specifically tailored to our needs. It always ensures a fast turnaround of our requests.

    Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK

  • Brodies has proved uniquely sensitive to the complex political scenario we operate in and its advice has effectively supported a wider campaign strategy.

    Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK

  • Brodies has an enviable depth of expertise. The firm has a strong offer across all departments and where complex issues arise they can draw on this wide knowledge base to provide their advice.

    Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK

  • Brodies takes the time to get to know the client and their brief. It has an understanding of the political and public affairs aspect to legal action.

    Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK

  • The team gives advice that is consistently high quality, quickly turned around and pragmatic. They are extremely responsive.

    Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christine O'Neill
    Christine O'Neill

    Christine O'Neill

    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 is an excellent lawyer and at the forefront in her field.

      Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK
    View profile
  • Charles Livingstone
    Charles Livingstone

    Charles Livingstone

    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 is excellent.

      Parliamentary & Public Affairs respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Brodies LLP (2)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Brodies LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership