Department profile
Harper Macleod LLP

Social Housing

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Harper Macleod LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

Our Housing team provides specialist advice to housing providers – whether Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), local authorities or private developers and investors - on every aspect of their organisation.

As Scotland’s largest law firm with a specialist housing practice, our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers provides the regulatory, governance, commercial and property advice to meet all of our clients' needs.

We have become trusted advisers to some of the UK’s largest housing providers by delivering innovative, practical and commercial solutions. We work with a diverse range of organisations and businesses across the public and private sector, including: Scottish Government; local authorities; RSLs; joint venture bodies; private sector developers; and urban and community regeneration vehicles

We act for more than 50 RSLs, ranging from the largest in the country to smaller community-based organisations. Collectively, they own or manage more than 75% of the entire RSL housing stock in Scotland, from Shetland and the Western Isles to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Social Housing - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Harper Macleod has a top-drawer social housing practice with significant experience acting for public sector entities, registered social landlords (RSLs) and private developers. The firm has noted expertise in mergers and transactions throughout the sector, and particular knowledge of the Scottish Help to Buy scheme and stock transfers. It also regularly advises on regulatory and governance matters, and offers expertise in private placement finance deals.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper Macleod assisted Aberdeen City Council with high-profile and controversial issues related to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

    roof panels in over 500 council-owned social housing and private homes.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are really strong across the board. From property and contractual issues to complex case handling, the support and insight has been really strong.

    Social Housing respondentUK

  • They can offer experts for a wide range of services and from different sectors. We've used them for a host of things in the past and they always give us what we need.

    Social Housing respondentUK

  • They are very much at the forefront of advising across the sector and demonstrate capacity for commercial awareness, depth of knowledge and experience coupled with pragmatism and approachability.

    Social Housing respondentUK

  • They are regarded as a leading legal adviser in the Scottish housing sector.

    Social Housing respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Derek W Hogg
    Derek W Hogg

    Derek W Hogg

    Derek Hogg is the head of the public sector and housing team at Harper Macleod and receives high praise for his impressive experience in the social housing market. He advises RSLs, local authorities and other public bodies on a range of governance, regulatory and constitutional issues.

    • Derek provides excellent insight and is an outstanding adviser in his field. He brings enormous experience, is calm and balanced, and supports us to find a way through complex issues.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • Derek is viewed as an expert in the field of social housing and is always quick to respond to any questions we have.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • Derek is a master at navigating the complexities of housing law. He's our go-to legal partner and delivers impeccable service and unparalleled expertise.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • Derek's expertise in the sector, combined with his thoroughness and pragmatism, gives a high degree of assurance on any matter on which resolution is required.

      Social Housing respondentUK
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  • James S W McMorrow
    James S W McMorrow

    James S W McMorrow

    James McMorrow is highly experienced in handling regulatory matters, in addition to advising RSLs on constitutional partnerships.

    • We have sought advice on some complex, high-risk issues and he helped us find appropriate routes to resolve them.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • He has a wealth of experience and knowledge.

      Social Housing respondentUK
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  • Collette Miller
    Collette Miller

    Collette Miller

    Collette Miller demonstrates notable strength in the space, and her clients include RSLs and local authorities. She has considerable experience advising clients on governance and regulatory issues.

    • Collette is a true expert who consistently delivers outstanding results. She offers invaluable support and guidance.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • Her forensic approach and depth of technical and sector knowledge have provided value and assurance to our business. She is also adept at thinking strategically thanks to her commercial awareness.

      Social Housing respondentUK

    • Alongside her considerable sector knowledge, Collette is the most responsive legal professional I have worked with.

      Social Housing respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Harper Macleod LLP (3)

Scotland

Members

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