Litigation
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Email address
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+44 131 228 8000About
Provided by CMS
Please visit the CMS website for more details about the practice and our work:
Chambers Review
CMS has a respected litigation group particularly noted for its expertise in disputes in the energy and financial services sectors. It is frequently engaged by blue-chip international clients in major litigation and has impressive commercial experience spanning contractual claims and shareholder disputes. The team draws on extensive global dispute resolution capabilities, receiving praise for its cross-border expertise.
Work Highlights
- CMS acted for James Finlay Kenya on a cross-border class action lawsuit by current and former employees over damages claims involving potential injuries during terms of employment.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"CMS have given us absolute positivity and honesty in all situations, they have left no stone unturned and we believe we would not have managed to handle the case if not for them."
"They are very thoughtful and methodical in their approach, always responsive, always keen to go the extra mile."
"The litigation team has considerable strength and depth, challenging issues are met with sophisticated analysis and execution."
"I think the CMS team has done a really good job on our complex cross-border case; they had to deal with new complex legislation and have been very strategic. They have managed to get a good result."
"They are strategic, very much adapt to our company needs, and consider every angle - not cautious, but more measured in how they approach things, looking at every angle of the case."
"CMS have given us absolute positivity and honesty in all situations, they have left no stone unturned and we believe we would not have managed to handle the case if not for them."
"They are very thoughtful and methodical in their approach, always responsive, always keen to go the extra mile."
"The litigation team has considerable strength and depth, challenging issues are met with sophisticated analysis and execution."
"I think the CMS team has done a really good job on our complex cross-border case; they had to deal with new complex legislation and have been very strategic. They have managed to get a good result."
"They are strategic, very much adapt to our company needs, and consider every angle - not cautious, but more measured in how they approach things, looking at every angle of the case."
Notable Practitioners
Colin Hutton leads the CMS disputes team in Scotland and has considerable experience advising on a broad range of civil litigation. He regularly handles shareholder disputes as well as litigation relating to breach of warranty and contractual issues.
"Colin is a very professional, no-nonsense and very honest individual who is confident, very hard-working and above all listens to the client's needs."
"He is excellent: strategic, tactical and responsive."
"Colin Hutton is a very experienced and very measured, thoughtful lawyer. He'll explain things as they are, giving us the ramifications, and will establish what was a good result. He's very impressive."
"Colin Hutton is a market leader in his field. He's innovative, strategic and personable. Clients love him too."
Graeme MacLeod has significant experience handling high-value shareholder and contractual disputes. His broad expertise also extends to fraud and insolvency-related matters, as well as cross-border cases.
"He's a very personable and strong lawyer. We have a good relationship with him on a personal level."
"He is hugely capable, leading very difficult work of international significance."
"He has meticulous attention to detail and unflinchingly handles stressful and complex litigation. I would rate his capabilities very highly."