Video
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Lawyers answer commonly asked questions on class actions
Class Actions
Partner & Solicitor Advocate
Craig Watt
Craig is a partner within Brodies' commercial litigation team and a solicitor advocate within the 'Advocacy by Brodies' set.
He is an experienced commercial litigator, primarily advising upon how to resolve complex disputes involving commercial contracts.
Craig leads Brodies' class actions offering and handles some of the first class actions raised in Scotland. He advises clients across the UK and beyond on strategy to mitigate their exposure to class actions. Craig sits on the Advisory Board of various class action forums and speaks at conferences on class actions globally.
He heads up Brodies' corporate disputes sector, regularly advising clients how to resolve friction around the boardroom table, and between shareholders and the board.
Craig co-chairs Brodies' financial services sector and has a keen interest in financial services disputes and regulatory issues.
As a solicitor advocate, Craig can appear before all of the courts in Scotland and the Supreme Court and Privy Council in London.
Craig has been ranked as a Leading Partner in Commercial Litigation, Scotland, by the Legal 500 UK 2025 Directory. He has been noted for his "expertise in group litigation", and "expertise in contractual litigation and international disputes". Client Testimonials note that "he provided sound counsel at all stages", he was "easy to work with, quick to respond, and provide clear, commercial advice", and "extremely responsive".
Living Brodies' values
Clients appreciate Craig's courage and considerable experience to defend them forcefully to achieve the best possible outcome.
Highlights
- Draws on experience gained whilst on secondment as Acting Head of Dispute Resolution at a UK bank.
- Trained and certified in Advanced Advocacy by National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
- Sits as Member of the Scottish Rugby Union Disciplinary Panel.
Rankings
- Ranked as a 'Leading Individual' by Legal 500 UK 2026.
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What is a class action?
A class action is an action brought jointly by a group of claimants who have all suffered the same, similar or related harm as a result of the actions of one defender or defenders.
The class actions have been open to claimants in many countries and jurisdictions across the world, including the USA, and England and Wales for many years.
In Scotland, groups have been able to join together to bring class actions or group proceedings, as they are known here, since the summer of 2020.
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What impact has the introduction of group proceedings had in Scotland?
The introduction of group proceedings in Scotland has already had a massive impact, with several large groups of claims coming together to bring actions against defenders, where they believe that all suffered similar harm.
This has enabled claims that would not otherwise have been viable to be brought, for example, where they’re individually for relatively low sums, they now have the benefit of sharing cost and potential risk in bringing the claims together.
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What risks do group proceedings pose for businesses?
The introduction of group proceedings does come with financial and reputational risks to businesses, particularly as they're going to be exposed to claims that they wouldn't otherwise have been exposed to, for example, where the individual claims might have been for relatively low sums.
Those claims are now likely to be brought jointly and cumulatively, the financial exposure will be potentially relatively high, but will also expose the businesses to unwanted media attention.
Class Action FAQs
Extremely responsive.
Legal 500 UK 2022
Noted for his expertise in contractual litigation and international disputes.
Legal 500 UK 2022
He provided sound counsel at all stages to support our decision-making processes and during what became a very stressful situation.
Legal 500 UK 2022
Easy to work with, quick to respond, and provide clear, commercial advice.
Legal 500 UK 2022
