Partner & Solicitor Advocate

Niall McLean

Niall gives both public and private sector clients advice in a broad range of areas including: education, environmental law, governance, defamation and reputation management, and public law and statutory interpretation. Niall has experience advising on the data protection and reputation management issues that arise from cyber attacks. He supports clients domestically and internationally with a particular focus on giving clients strategic and pragmatic advice.

Niall is a solicitor advocate with extended rights of audience in the Court of Session and has extensive advocacy experience, regularly appearing in court for clients. He is also regularly instructed to manage significant pieces of litigation in the Court of Session including judicial reviews and statutory appeals primarily focusing on planning & environment, local government and education law.

Living Brodies' values

Niall takes a collaborative approach to working with clients and colleagues and is described as "a very bright, energetic and up-and-coming lawyer" by clients.

Highlights

The only solicitor advocate appointed to the Scottish Government’s list of ‘Standing Junior Counsel’. Niall regularly acts for the Scottish Government in a broad range of Court of Session actions, with a particular interest in planning & environmental litigation.
On the panel of preferred counsel for the Equality & Human Rights Commission.
Leads our local government practice and chairs our cross-firm Government & Business Team, and the firm's Education Group.

Rankings

Ranked as 'Next Generation Partner' for Education in Legal 500 UK 2024.
Ranked by Chambers as an 'Up and Coming' Partner in Administrative & Public Law.
Ranked by Chambers as an 'Up and Coming' Partner and by Legal 500 as 'Next Generation' Partner in Local Government.
Recognised by Legal 500 as being "increasingly active in reputation management issues".

‘Niall McLean is a standout – extremely responsive and knowledgeable about the sector and gives clear and strategic advice.’

Legal 500 UK 2024

‘Niall McLean provided excellent advice and displayed expertise on each matter I was facing. He also displayed exceptional ethics and moral diligence through nuanced issues.’

Legal 500 UK 2024

'His depth of knowledge and experience in relation to legal issues relevant to local government is significant, and his ability to provide robust, pragmatic legal advice is highly valued.'

Chambers UK 2024