Local Government | UK

Brodies has a top-class local government practice with significant knowledge of infrastructure and governance matters. The firm has strong sector experience and is often instructed to handle the most complex and high-profile issues in Scotland. It has recently been involved in a series of innovative projects, and acts for major city councils across Scotland, as well as elsewhere in the UK. In addition, the team provides a range of resources to local authorities including advice on judicial reviews and issues arising out of the pandemic.

Burness Paull assists local authorities across Scotland with complex work involving the development of new service delivery models. The team is well-equipped to handle a broad range of issues including public procurement, governance and a wide variety of major infrastructure projects. It also has additional strength in property matters, particularly involving planning and company purchase orders.

Harper Macleod houses an experienced local government team, who act for authorities throughout Scotland. The firm is noted for its work across a range of areas, including defence of judicial reviews, infrastructure projects, as well as contentious and non-contentious housing matters. The firm also handles public procurement and state aid work as part of a broad public sector focus.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts is noted for its handling of the full scope of local government work. The firm is experienced in acting for local authorities on a range of matters including appeals, judicial reviews and public inquiries. The team has additional capabilities in relation to complex monitoring officer investigations and reports and is active in the planning and housing sectors. In November 2023, the firms Morton Fraser and MacRoberts merged to form Morton Fraser MacRoberts.

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.