Chair & Partner

Iain Rutherford

Iain is Chair of Brodies LLP. He advises clients in relation to a broad range of commercial disputes with an emphasis on IT, IP & telecoms, oil & gas, corporate and financial services disputes. He has represented clients in relation to various IT/IP related disputes including trade mark and patent infringement, outsourcing, domain name and IT supplier disputes.

Iain has also acted for banks and financial services institutions in relation to high profile and high value professional negligence, misrepresentation, contractual and pensions disputes and has acted in a wide variety of corporate litigation including warranty claims, unfair prejudice petitions and related shareholder disputes. Iain is a Solicitor Advocate and his practice is primarily in the UK Courts. He is, however, an enthusiastic proponent of alternative dispute resolution, with recent experience of mediation, international arbitration (IT, Oil & Gas, international trade) and expert determination (both financial and technical).

Living Brodies' values

Clients and colleagues value Iain's friendly, collaborative and approachable manner coupled with his realistic commercial approach to the issues facing them.

Highlights

Chair of Brodies LLP from 2025.
Has an LLM in IT & Telecommunications Law.
Sits on the disputes committees of the Society for Computers and the Law and iTechlaw and the litigation sub-committee of the Association of Pensions Lawyers.
A member of the firm's Strategic Board, which is responsible for ensuring implementation of the firm's strategic plan.

Rankings

Ranked as a 'Leading Individual' for Intellectual Property in Legal 500 UK 2026 and Band 3 by Chambers UK 2026.
Named in the Hall of Fame for Commercial Litigation in Legal 500 UK 2026.
Iain is a Ranked Individual for Information Technology, and Litigation by Chambers UK 2026.
Ranked as Eminent Practitioner for Banking Litigation by Chambers UK 2026.

Iain Rutherford is the perfect consigliere - a calm head who is tactically astute.

Legal 500 UK 2026

Iain Rutherford advises on a range of commercial disputes and has particular expertise in the financial services sector. He regularly handles litigation concerning contested contracts and corporate agreements as well as debt and asset recovery.

Chambers UK 2026

Iain Rutherford is chair of Brodies. He advises clients across a range of litigation concerning banking and financial services. He acts for a broad array of clients, from consumer credit companies and pension providers to national retail and clearing banks.

Chambers UK 2026

Iain Rutherford is a phenomenal lawyer. Brilliant at understanding the needs of the client and being able to shape solutions in almost all circumstances.

Legal 500 UK 2026