Property litigation

Stephen Goldie

Stephen is Head of Litigation and a recognised expert in dispute resolution. With a reputation gained from over 20 years’ experience of dealing with highly contentious and business critical matters for clients across the UK and internationally, he specialises in solving contractual and asset-related disputes involving energy (in particular oil and gas), real estate, infrastructure and finance issues. Stephen advises clients (both domestic and international) in a broad range of dispute arenas including arbitration, mediation and court. Commercial litigation, lease enforcement (including complex dilapidations and repairing issues) together with portfolio debt recovery are also part of his repertoire. He has led and advised on high value cases involving contractual interpretation and misrepresentation claims which have been determined by the Supreme Court in London. International arbitration (through LCIA and ICC) is an active area of his practice.

Sheila Webster

Partner

Andrew Upton

Partner Andrew advises clients across both public and private sectors in relation to all litigious matters. His experience incorporates litigation at Sheriff Court and Court of Session level, principally contractual and property disputes, as well as actions at both the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. Andrew regularly represents clients in the Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland, including Commercial Actions, and at the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and Scottish Land Court. Through his experience in complex litigations, Andrew has developed forensic analytical skills, reviewing substantial volumes of documents and preparing reports on relevant facts, legal issues and prospects of success. He also has experience representing clients in quasi-judicial proceedings, including making written and oral representations to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland and various disciplinary panels of regulatory bodies. Recent work highlights include: Advising Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority in their successful appeal to the Sheriff Appeal Court against a decision to quash an Access Rights Enforcement Notice under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (reported case: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority v Renyana Stahl Anstalt, 2017 S.L.T. (Sh Ct) 138), and the subsequent appeal to the Inner House of the Court of Session (reported case: Renyana Stahl Anstalt v Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, 2018 S.L.T. 331). Successfully advising and representing Inverclyde Council in an appeal to the Sheriff Principal on the validity of pre-irritancy notices (reported case: Inverclyde Council v Prince of Wales Bar, 2015 Hous. L.R. 14). Advising Scottish Natural Heritage in their successful defense of an appeal to the Scottish Land Court by an owner of fishing rights concerning their refusal of consent to repair and replacement of croys and revetments in the River Tummel (reported case: Tummel Valley Leisure Limited v Scottish Natural Heritage, 2015 S.L.T. (Land Ct.) 117).

Matthew Farrell

Matthew is a real estate litigator instructed in high profile and complex real estate disputes. Matthew provides advice on all real estate disputes, with particular expertise in commercial landlord and tenant disputes, including dilapidations, service charge and termination. Recognised for his pragmatic and down to earth approach in even the most difficult of disputes, he acts for funds, property companies, corporate occupiers and international businesses.

Gareth Hale

Gareth is a litigator with more than 15 years' experience of helping clients to resolve their commercial disputes. He is recognised, in particular, for his work in the real estate sector. Gareth advises clients on contract and asset-based disputes across a diverse range of sectors. He has acted for clients in disputes at every level of the civil courts and tribunals system, including at the UK Supreme Court. As an enthusiast for alternative dispute resolution, he is an accredited Mediator and has represented clients in Arbitration (including International Arbitration) and in Expert Determination. He is recognised by the legal directories as an expert in dispute resolution.