Partner & Solicitor Advocate

Craig Watt

Craig is an experienced commercial litigator and leads our corporate disputes practice. He advises clients in the commercial, financial services and energy sectors on how to resolve disputes, with a particular interest in interpreting and advising upon complex contracts. Craig is increasingly called upon to advise clients on the defence of Group Proceedings in Scotland.

Whilst he has significant experience in conducting the progress of court cases in the Court of Session and Sheriff Court, he has also represented clients in International Arbitrations, under both the Scottish Arbitration and ICC Rules.

Craig is a Solicitor Advocate within the Advocacy by Brodies set, and can appear before all Courts in Scotland and the Supreme Court and Privy Council in London. He has extensive Court, Inquiry and Tribunal advocacy experience.

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.

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.
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.
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