Blackadders LLP > Aberdeen, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

Blackadders LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 2

At Blackadders LLP, the practice covers a diverse range of sectors including office, student accommodation, energy, and retail assets. Emma Gray, the main point of contact in Dundee, offers expertise in site acquisitions, option agreements, and affordable housing transactions. In Aberdeen, Neil Robb is a key figure who regularly receives instructions from developers, investors, and builders. Leanne Hill joined the firm's Aberdeen office in June 2024 from Pinsent Masons LLP.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 3

Blackadders LLP has a considerable corporate offering, acting on a wide array of sectors for high-end domestic and multinational clients on M&A and equity investments and disposals, while also possessing commercial capabilities particularly in relation to joint ventures and commercial contracts. The tech space continues to be a area of significant activity for the firm, with team lead and data protection specialist Kirk Dailly regularly instructed by video game entrepreneurs, digital infrastructure developers, and energy services providers. Campbell Clark has a broad offering split between corporate and commercial work, and has recently overseen contractual agreements between European, Middle Eastern, and African entities. Susan McFadyen has a similarly broad practice and is particularly familiar with the hospitality, food and drink, and real estate sectors. Suzi Low bolsters her corporate offering with expertise in banking and finance. Richard Wilson and Bethany Buchanan are also recommended.

Private client > Family Tier 3

The Blackadders LLP family team leverages its network of offices across Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh to advise clients on the full range of financial and child related family proceedings. Team head Craig Samson, in Dundee, specialises in complex financial claims on separation, while Aberdeen’s Gareth Masson is a go-to for sensitive children matters including relocation and adoption. Joanne Murray has particular expertise regarding domestic abuse cases. The practice gained the expertise of arbitrator and mediator Shona Smith in July 2024, who joined from Balfour+Manson LLP.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and executries Tier 3

Blackadders LLP’s team continues to expand, leveraging its expertise in multi-jurisdictional succession planning, often concerning high-value business assets. Dundee-based Laura McDowall leads the team and Johnston Clark assists clients with asset protection and power of attorney mandates, while dual qualified in England and Wales, Dale Ross specialises in executry and trust cases. Gillian Brown and Donna Brennan have since departed the firm.

Employment Tier 4

Blackadders LLP assists clients with the full spectrum of employment issues, from ensuring compliance with contracts to defending tribunal claims. Simon Allison leads the practice from Dundee, primarily acting for employers in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation spaces. Donna Reynolds contributes expertise in discrimination law, advising on harassment and victimisation based on protected characteristics, while Jack Boyle regularly appears in the Employment Tribunal. The firm expanded its employment law offering to Aberdeen with the hire of Gillian Donald in November 2023 from Brodies LLP.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4

Blackadders LLP bolstered its practice with the 2023 arrival of Fiona Muirs from Balfour+Manson LLP, who serves as head of the firm's dispute resolution practice. The firm acts for a varied client base across corporate and personal insolvency cases, with a notable focus on post insolvency and contentious issues. Ryan McKay is well-regarded for his property litigation and insolvency acumen, and is regularly instructed by insolvency practitioners, directors, and administrators and liquidators, while Susan Currie‘s practice spans personal and corporate insolvency mandates. Stephanie Carr left the team to join Thorntons Law LLP in May 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 5

Blackadders LLP acts on a range of corporate and commercial matters, most notably M&A, restructurings, and fundraising rounds for food and drink and healthcare sector clients. Campbell Clark leads the practice from Dundee and is well regarded for his expertise in employee ownership issues. Alfonso Castro and Ethan Laing support on the firm’s wide body of work.

Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 5

Blackadders LLP, spearheaded by Neil Robb, supports clients in the sale, acquisition, investment, and leasing of commercial properties. The team was strengthened by the addition of John Elder in November 2023, who joined from Shepherd and Wedderburn, where he gained experience in cross-border transactions, development work, and property finance in the healthcare sector. Andrew Yule acts for landlords and tenants, including in relation to new-build developments.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate