Department profile
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland


Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

We are a leading commercial disputes and regulation practice of some 40 lawyers working across the UK. Led by seven partners, Chambers remark that we ‘excel in finding creative answers to thorny problems’ in high value, complex and significant cases, across both public and private sectors. Through our considered advice, we also look to prevent disputes from arising in the first place.

Our clients appreciate our frank approach, as we look to assess their risk – both financially and in terms of business reputation – and find solutions that will work. We are experienced advocates and our lawyers appear throughout the court and tribunal system in the UK, including arbitrations. Our mediation expertise is second to none, be it in negligence claims or highly complex technical commercial disputes.

All our lawyers are adept at managing the costs of disputes, so that our clients always have all the information they need to assess this crucial, but regularly overlooked, aspect of disputes. We are specialists in securing third party funding for our clients; indeed, our expertise in this regard is so respected that Burford Capital, the world’s largest funder, has provided us with a portfolio facility.

We are experts in all forms of international arbitration, including both commercial arbitration and arbitration between investors and states under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, on the basis of both institutional and ad hoc arbitration rules.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation - Scotland

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Shepherd and Wedderburn offers a respected team that is frequently instructed on high-profile contentious matters by a broad roster of clients. The team handles shareholder disputes as well as claims for breaches of contract and warranty. The firm's clients include financial services organisations as well as construction and energy companies, and it is often instructed by international firms on matters involving Scottish law.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn represented Slainte Highland Spirits and The Secret Garden Distillery in breach of warranty claims against the former owners of The Secret Garden Distillery.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is pragmatic, friendly and commercially focused. It covers a lot of bases and has always been able to assist, no matter how abstract the query.

    Litigation respondentUK
  • This firm is extremely hard-working and committed to getting the best for its clients. The team will go above and beyond to ensure that clients feel heard and supported.

    Litigation respondentUK
  • Its ability to strategise is very impressive, seeing all outcomes and determining the best course of action depending on the approach taken. The communication is excellent.

    Litigation respondentUK
  • Its advice was delivered promptly, concisely and in commercial terms so non-legal stakeholders could digest the information without the need to interpret any legalese.

    Litigation respondentUK
  • The team at Shepherd and Wedderburn puts the client's mind at ease and provides easy-to-understand explanations and advice throughout the process.

    Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4John Mackenzie
    Band 4John Mackenzie

    John Mackenzie

    John Mackenzie has particular experience in disputes regarding the IT sector, as well as those that concern company and partnership law. He can offer clients the benefit of his skills as a solicitor advocate.
  • Up and ComingMatt Phillip
    Up and ComingMatt Phillip

    Matt Phillip

    Matt Phillip is well regarded by clients and peers alike, especially for his work regarding contractual disputes. He has particular experience handling disputes within the sports sector.

    • He is very thorough, considerate and hard-working. His advice is well thought out and backed up by his own knowledge. He is very in tune with what we need.

      Litigation respondentUK
    • Matt Phillip is welcoming and reassuring. His advice is pragmatic and I know I can rely on him when I need help.

      Litigation respondentUK
    • His advice is astute and commercially focused. In a litigation setting, he provides calm assurance that matters will be successfully navigated..

      Litigation respondentUK
    • Matt is great to work with and quickly understood the business's needs.

      Litigation respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP (2)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

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