Karen is a leading compulsory purchase specialist with infrastructure and development expertise
PartnerKaren Hamilton
"Technically excellent, highly commercial and pragmatic." Chambers UK
PartnerPhilip Hunter
"Considers the bigger picture and produces clear and concise advice" Chambers UK
PartnerNeil Collar
Planning, Environment and Climate are critical areas of importance for many of our clients and their organisations. Our lawyers collaborate with our clients in navigating what are frequently complex and challenging issues against a rapidly evolving and complex regulatory background.
Our lawyers bring market leading expertise and knowledge to every client and situation; we also have wide ranging experience with regulators and those who are regulated. This gives us the perspective to provide the most commercial and pragmatic advice tailored to our clients’ needs, no matter whether the matter is contentious or non-contentious.
The team is always prepared to go the extra mile to give great advice. They have an open door policy and a positive attitude that gets results.
Legal 500 UK 2026
Working with clients in the public and private sectors, our lawyers' expertise extends across strategic advice; prevention and assistance with risk management; consenting, including environmental impact assessment; compulsory purchase and compensation; due diligence and contractual protection mechanisms; prosecutions and regulatory matters; land development, contaminated land and remediation and health and safety. We have wide experience on and off shore: in urban and rural locations and dealing with sites protected for environmental sensitivity. Key sectors include real estate, renewable energy, infrastructure and housing.
We participate actively and are invested in strategic issues driving engagement and discussion with all stakeholders, helping to develop, influence and shape our market and future thinking.
"Quiet professionalism. Nothing brash or flashy, just expertise, insight, and competence from approachable, talented individuals."
Legal 500 UK 2026
Their wide range of legal expertise and ability to work across multiple departments for multifaceted legal issues is valuable to us.
Chambers UK 2026
Rolls Royce of Scottish planning agents.
Legal 500 UK 2026
What impressed me was Brodies comprehensive resources. They provided expertise across planning, environment and local government, and did so in a proficient and co-ordinated manner.
Legal 500 UK 2026
Brodies is a standout firm when it comes to planning law in Scotland, with an experienced team and outstanding individuals.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Key highlights
- Neil Collar and Elaine Farquharson-Black are recognised leaders in the planning arena, both individually top ranked by the legal directories.
- Phil Hunter is currently Vice Chair of UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA), the UKELA national council member for Scotland and an active member of the UKELA Brexit task force.
- Development of 550 homes, commercial and leisure facilities for Cognito Oak LLP at Cloverhill, Aberdeen. Includes first use in Scotland of hydrogen fuel cells.
- Lead adviser to Clyde Gateway in the ground breaking remediation of their Shawfield Phase 2 site (a key part of their masterplan).
- Coul Links, Highland - golf course affecting sites with natural heritage designations at national, European and international level.
- Niall McLean is a solicitor advocate routinely instructed in planning & environmental litigation for both public and private sector clients.
