Our market-leading government and public sector practice is the largest in Scotland. We help clients address legislative, economic and political developments, driving improvement in services, securing value for money and delivering change.

Our expertise covers the full spectrum of advice that our public sector clients - local authorities other public bodies and third sector service providers - require from property, procurement and contracts to governance, IP, planning, employment and much more.

Advice is unfailingly excellent and is provided by a diverse range of subject experts in complex fields of public law.

Legal 500 UK 2025

Public sector and commercial clients seek our expertise and support in judicial reviews, statutory appeals and in bringing and defending regulatory enforcement action. We also represent businesses and individuals facing potential criminal prosecution particularly in relation to regulatory matters.

Our lawyers appear in the Sheriff Court and in the Court of Session and at public inquiries, including in relation to environmental appeals and compulsory purchase. Key areas of expertise include education, housing, health and social care, and environmental compliance.

We support clients with all aspects of parliamentary work, whether promoting or challenging new legislation, responding to changes in government policy and all aspects of state aid, procurement and competition law.

Government & Public Sector key highlights icon

Government & Public Sector key highlights

  • Many of our lawyers have worked in central or local government, bringing valuable insights to their work for clients.
  • Public sector clients include Scottish Government, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
  • We advise local authorities throughout the UK across the full spectrum of their activities and in relation to the transformation and commercialisation of services.
  • We have mobilised our resources to provide support to clients as they respond to the challenges of Covid-19 in areas including government (central and local) higher education and regulation.