Ranking tables

Shipping | UK

Scotland

This table showcases the top firms and individuals practising shipping law in Scotland. This section covers both contentious and non-contentious shipping work. The contentious side involves breaches of charter-party disputes, cargo and bills of lading claims, the arrest of vessels and cargoes, marine insurance claims, collision, salvage and environmental liabilities. On the non-contentious side, law firms advise on contractual arrangements for construction, registration of vessels, customs and licensing, and documentation relating to charter-parties and bills of lading.

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Brodies LLP
    1
    Brodies LLP
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Brodies has an esteemed practice representing Scottish and international clients in a broad range of shipping matters, including both contentious and non-contentious work. The team's areas of expertise include loss of life and injury claims, as well as ship sale and purchase and shipbuilding matters. It regularly handles work for P&I clubs, insurers and operators including representation in construction and development financing matters. In addition, the team has a strong presence in the offshore oil industry.
  2. Pinsent Masons LLP
    1
    Pinsent Masons LLP
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    Pinsent Masons has a respected practice with skill in areas such as casualty investigations, Maritime Labour Convention compliance and charter party matters. The team is noted for its particular acumen in Falkland Islands issues and in ports and harbours work, including legislative drafting. It also demonstrates litigation expertise in construction and repair disputes, contractual issues, and health and safety prosecutions.
2

Band 2

  1. Addleshaw Goddard LLP
    2
    Addleshaw Goddard LLP
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked
    Addleshaw Goddard is highly regarded for its work with a range of clients including banks, ship owners and operators. The team is noted for strong capability in shipbuilding contracts, ship registration, and vessel sale and purchase. It is also recognised for expertise in offshore operations in the Caspian Sea and frequently handles ship finance matters for both borrowers and lenders.
  2. Mackinnons
    2
    Mackinnons
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked
    Mackinnons is an Aberdeen-based firm with a longstanding reputation for shipping work. The firm handles non-contentious matters and acts in accident cases. It also has additional expertise in harbour law and fishing industry issues. The team represents Scottish and international clients, including owners, operators and port authorities, and is experienced in fleet transactions.
3

Band 3

  1. Burness Paull
    3
    Burness Paull
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked
    Burness Paull has a notable maritime law practice which has expertise in acting for ship owners, operators and P&I clubs on a variety of issues. The team is well placed to handle personal injury claims following accidents at sea, in addition to broader shipping and cargo claims. In addition, the firm is experienced in acting on vessel sale and purchase matters.
  2. CMS
    3
    CMS
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 3 | 7 Years Ranked
    CMS has a respected practice known for its expertise in transactional shipping matters. The firm is well positioned to advise on financing, charter parties and shipbuilding contracts, and has particular expertise in the oil and gas sector. It has additional expertise in handling a range of shipping disputes. The team's clients include local authorities, financial institutions and ship owners, among others.
  3. Harper Macleod LLP
    3
    Harper Macleod LLP
    Shipping
    2025 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked
    Harper Macleod has a growing reputation within the shipping and marine sector. It possesses real strength in shipping finance matters and has particular strength in procurement law, contract negotiation and loan restructuring. Harper Macleod works with clients across a variety of industries such as banks, energy production and local councils.