Department profile
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Local Government

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

About

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Public bodies are under intense scrutiny at all times, facing demands for better, more cost-effective, more accountable service provision. With our strong sector experience, we understand more than most the challenges the public sector faces.

Our Public Sector Group provides a focus for our work and draws on specialists from across the firm. We offer advice on a wide range of matters of interest to our clients, including: statutory powers and remit; judicial review and legal challenges; constitutional, governance and best practice; human rights; freedom of information; legislation; and procurement.

We have built strong relationships with our public sector clients and have been ranked in the top tiers of legal advisers to local government by the two major legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers.

Services

  • Asset and Facilities Management and Consumer Services
  • Charities and Governance
  • Construction
  • Employment, Discrimination and Human Rights
  • Funding and Finance models
  • Health and Safety
  • Housing
  • Immigration
  • Data protection and Freedom of Information
  • Inquiries and Investigations
  • Litigation, including Judicial Review and Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Pensions
  • Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration
  • Procurement
  • Property and Real Estate
  • Regulatory and Public Law Information
  • Transport, Infrastructure and Projects

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - Scotland

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Shepherd and Wedderburn has an established local government team focusing on infrastructure development, particularly in terms of new housing and education projects. The firm acts for a broad client list including many councils and local authorities across Scotland on a wide range of matters. It also act for arm's-length organisations owned by local government that provide various services such as housing maintenance support. The team continues to advise on city deals involving collaboration between local authorities across Scotland.

Key contact

Stephen Colliston is a key contact.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn advised Acciona on the construction and operation of three major Energy from Waste (EfW) Projects at Aberdeen, West Bromwich and North London. This included advising on the Project Agreement/EPC and related subcontracts.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Shepherd is very knowledgeable across all areas where I sought advice and I personally have always found that it provides a full explanation for any advice given which aids my future understanding.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Shepherd works collaboratively with clients and I am confident that it keeps abreast of all aspects of legal legislation and specific sector environments.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Shepherd provides a pragmatic approach and an experienced team who understand the sector. They are particularly strong in real estate.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Shepherd has a range of expertise with the ability to tackle diverse and complex issues facing local government organisations.

    Local Government respondentUK

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn has a breadth of expertise and specialist understanding. I have never found an issue it was not able to help with.

    Local Government respondentUK

Members

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

  • Neil Maclean

    Head of Department

  • Euan McLeod

  • Ewan Macleod

  • Stephen Colliston

  • Stephen Maughan

  • Euan Murray

  • Elouisa Crichton

  • George McKinlay

What success is built on

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

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