Administrative & Public Law | UK

Brodies boasts a pre-eminent public and administrative law practice that is known for defending the Scottish government, regulators, local authorities and public bodies against a wide range of challenges. The firm also advises on complex constitutional, regulatory and governance issues. It is particularly prominent for its work advising the Scottish government on Brexit and related cases. The team has capabilities that include advocating on behalf of clients, as well as advising on litigation and legislation.

Burness Paull demonstrates an impressive breadth of expertise in the public and administrative law field. It has capabilities in contentious and non-contentious work and is frequently sought after by public bodies for its deep regulatory knowledge. The team fields further strengths in procurement challenges, judicial reviews, inquiries and investigations. Clients also benefit from the firm's wider parliamentary and public affairs expertise.

Harper Macleod is regularly instructed in high-profile disputes concerning a wide range of administrative and public law matters. The team is particularly known for representing the Scottish Government, government directorates, local authorities and other public bodies. The firm has a strong focus on judicial reviews and statutory appeals relating to procurement and human rights.

In November 2023 Morton Fraser and MacRoberts merged, the combined firm is called Morton Fraser MacRoberts. Morton Fraser MacRoberts has a reputable public law practice with expertise that spans advising local and central government clients, as well as other public bodies. The firm is regularly instructed in judicial reviews and inquiries pertaining to human rights and community care. The team is also particularly adept at handling disputes relating to contentious planning matters.

Shepherd and Wedderburn handles administrative and public law instructions for a wide range of regulators, public bodies and commercial clients. The firm has particular expertise in regulatory investigations and defending the decisions of regulators being challenged by statutory appeals. It also frequently advises clients in the energy sector on how to challenge environmental decisions. The team is increasingly called upon by public bodies to advise on governance and EU-related legal frameworks.