Civil Liberties & Human Rights
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0141) 221 8888About
Provided by Harper Macleod LLP
Our team acts predominantly for public bodies within this specialist area, where individuals interact with the State, but perhaps uniquely within Scotland, also act for those bringing forward challenges to hold public bodies to account. We have a high-profile client base with clients including the Scottish Government and numerous public bodies. On the 'holding to account' side of the table, we also act for Greenpeace, Avaaz Foundation and individuals who fight to have their rights upheld and seek to advance causes through strategic litigation in relation to globally important issues such as the climate emergency and anti-corruption.
We have successfully led and defended many Judicial Review and Statutory Appeal cases for public, third sector and private sector clients, many with significant political, media and public interest.
Our team is embedded within Scottish public life and is appointed to all Lots of the Scottish Government Framework for legal services, as well as acting for numerous other government departments/non-departmental public bodies, along with more than half of the 32 Scottish local authorities. This means that we advise at a strategic and operational level on the most sensitive issues affecting those organisations, and are involved in complex and socially or politically sensitive cases where these authorities, through the use of their powers, engage citizens’ human rights and impact their civil liberties.
Chambers Review
Harper Macleod acts on behalf of a variety of clients, including government and public bodies, as well as individuals, private companies and third-sector organisations. The team is capable of handling mandates that overlap with areas such as housing, family, data and prison law.
Work Highlights
- Harper Macleod acted on behalf of Glasgow City Council in the judicial review challenging the decision to introduce a low-emission zone.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are a well-rounded team with a lot of experience. They are really an excellent team."
"They are a well-rounded team with a lot of experience. They are really an excellent team."
Notable Practitioners
Jennifer Jack heads the practice at Harper Macleod. She is a respected civil liberties practitioner who regularly acts for charities, individuals and companies in challenging the decisions of public bodies.
"Jennifer is one of the leading authorities on public law and she is not unwilling to roll up her sleeves."
"She is absolutely excellent. She is tireless, always on top of the detail and always a pleasure to work with."
Calum Gee is fast developing a reputation for acting for a range of public- and private-sector clients. He frequently advises clients on issues relating to civil liberties and human rights, as well as contentious data protection and EU law, among other areas.
"Calum is very much a rising star."
"Calum Gee is just fantastic. He is very approachable and knowledgeable."
"Calum is a hard-working and reliable person."
Ranked Lawyers at
Harper Macleod LLP
Scotland