Administrative & Public Law
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0141) 221 8888About
Provided by Harper Macleod LLP
We have a high-profile client base and have acted in some of the most significant public law cases in Scotland in recent years, with clients ranging from politicians to Scottish Government, local authorities, campaign groups; and leading national agencies in areas such as natural resources, environment and taxation. The team also has a specialism advising on high profile public inquiries.
As well as advising our clients on all types of day-to-day matters, we have successfully defended many Judicial Review and Statutory Appeal cases for public sector clients. Our team has handled numerous cases that have seen appeals taken to the UK Supreme Court and with significant political, media and public interest.
Our team, spearheaded by Jennifer Jack who is one of a handful of Scottish solicitors with experience of litigating in the UK Supreme Court and Court of Justice of the European Union. Fiona Killen, one of Scotland’s most highly-respected lawyers for public and administrative law, has just joined the firm. Fiona has worked in the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and US Senate. Harper Macleod's Chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar CBE, has particular experience of the operations of this complex area, having been appointed by The Scottish Government to undertake a number of high-profile independent reviews.
Other team members hold external public sector appointments and with relevant industry groups, such as SCDI, local Chambers of Commerce, and Community Energy Scotland.
Chambers Review
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.
Work Highlights
- Harper Macleod defended Perth and Kinross Council in a judicial review brought by Tesco to challenge the council's decision to grant planning consent for Aldi to build a new supermarket in Perth.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lawyers provide pragmatic and timely advice."
"Harper Macleod quickly grasp the issue and demonstrate sound understanding."
"The team always gives clear and sound advice. They handle cases very well."
"The lawyers provide pragmatic and timely advice."
"Harper Macleod quickly grasp the issue and demonstrate sound understanding."
"The team always gives clear and sound advice. They handle cases very well."
Notable Practitioners
Jennifer Jack leads the public law litigation and public inquiries practice at Harper Macleod. She is known for her strength in judicial review challenges against the decisions of public authorities, regulators and the courts.
"Jennifer is very knowledgeable on public law matters."
"Jennifer is well known as a leading solicitor in Scotland in relation to public law. She knows her stuff. She is very knowledgeable."
Calum Gee is an up-and-coming practitioner at Harper Macleod. He is well respected for working with public, private and charity sector clients and advising them in judicial reviews and statutory appeals.
"Calum Gee is very approachable and knowledgeable."
"Calum impresses me as a very hard-working, able and reliable person."