Harper Macleod LLP > Thurso, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

‘Harper Macleod is an excellent Scottish firm, with a very strong and well-respected team. The department has real depth of talent.’

‘The team has in-depth experience in professional negligence matters. Their key strengths are their professionalism, proactive approach to their client’s cases, and extremely pragmatic and commercial advice. They are definitely market leaders in this field.’  

‘Adam de Ste Croix instills confidence and trust. He is a credit to the firm and the law profession.’

‘David Kerr is a leading partner in the firm. He is a very driven and commercially-minded partner, with an astute judgment of a case’s strengths and weaknesses.’

‘Andrew MacKenzie is intelligent and a formidable opponent.’

‘E-Ming Fong is very good with clients and consistently thorough in exploring every possible angle for them.’ 

‘Andrew Mackenzie is exceptionally bright, with amazing attention to detail.’ 

‘David Kerr is thoroughly knowledgeable, highly professional and proactive.’

‘The team at Harper Macleod are extremely professional in all their interactions with our organisation. The advice provided is comprehensive and robust. They are more responsive than other firms and have a very positive outlook.’

‘Derek Hogg has been a great support to our organisation. He is helpful, supportive and professional at all times. Derek is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable and has been able to support our organisation on a wide variety of matters.’

‘David Kerr is an extremely able lawyer who combines a total commitment to his clients with a shrewd grasp of the commercial realities in any litigation. In my view he is a standout performer in this field.’

‘Bruce Caldow is a hugely impressive partner with a calm and reassuring approach. His advice clearly comes from a position of a deep understanding of the technical legal matters together with extensive experience of the sector. He communicates in a clear, pragmatic and easily understandable manner.’

‘I have been working with Andrew Maxwell on and off for nearly three years. Throughout this time, he has been a calm and reassuring source of advice and counsel. He has an impressive depth of experience coupled with a sound radar for recognising when a matter needs to be escalated. The builds a confidence and trust in his input.’

‘A very responsive law firm who cater for all of our needs as a governing body of sport. They provide a diverse range of expertise in providing an excellent level of service and advice. And with it are very different in approach, spending time and making an effort to understand our culture, values and people.’

‘Approachable, responsive, evidently very well qualified with depth of experience, authentic and prepared to spend the time understand us and our people. Harper MacLeod feel like they are part of the team.’

‘Vast knowledge and expertise. Highly regarded within the sporting sector in Scotland. Excellent collaboration abilities. Well thought of by a wide range of partners. The people have an excellent way of working, a balance of knowledge, skill, professionalism whilst being friendly, supportive and understanding.’

‘Bruce Caldow and Andrew Maxwell are extremely professional and supportive with a friendly and approachable demeanour. Expertise is second to none. Always willing to go above and beyond to assist and provide clear guidance in a way that is understandable to a non-legal mind. A strong and trustworthy partnership has been built up over a number of years.’

‘I have always found HM willing to do what was necessary and, after understanding exactly what was needed, very diligent and accurate to deal with.’

‘The solicitor I deal with is extremely dedicated to providing a service that I require and will go the extra distance to ensure that happens.’

‘Range of specialisms and depth of experience in those specialisms.’

‘Chris Kerr and Craig McKerracher provide excellent service in their respective fields.’

‘Always a very personal service which makes me feel valued.’

‘Support and expertise you would expect from a large legal firm but with strong personal relationships. Understanding the needs and requirements of the individuals.’

‘Harper Macleod has a robust format for dealing with their clients.’

‘The individuals I have worked with at Harper Macleod have stood out by displaying their vast knowledge of the particular area I was involved in. I had several queries on a few areas of licensing and Andrew Hunter was able to address them all.’

‘On the particular issues I was dealing with, I was in court with Andrew Hunter and he vigorously defended my license, studied in depth all the complaints and answered each one of them individually. This is one reason that he has stood out.’

‘A very responsive and commercial approach to work. Not stuffy but very much hands on approach.’

‘Andrew Hunter is a truly lovely person to work with. Acute sense of relevant issues in cases he handles and able to give clients legally sound advice combined with understanding of practicalities of a situation. First-rate technical knowledge of licensing law.’

‘The team actively listen to our needs, tailor legal solutions, and maintain transparent communication throughout the process. Quick to respond, and great at keeping us up to date.’

‘Well-established debt recovery practice with large team of knowledgeable and experienced individuals, handling case work efficiently and effectively.’

‘Andrew Hunter and Natalie Dissake provide excellent advice when required.’

‘Ashley Fleming is innovative and pragmatic .’

‘Rapid and comprehensive responses.’

‘Ashley Fleming has been very helpful with my enquiry and I am very happy with the communication and working with her. She is very professional in her field.’

‘The immigration team at Harper Macleod is professional and proficient.’

‘Ashley Fleming is thorough, efficient, and easy to work with. She has great attention to detail.��

‘The team is headed up by the extremely able and experienced Heather Calderwood. The team strength’s is its unwavering diligence and determination to investigate every avenue and prepare the case to the highest standard whilst also managing client’s expectations in this very difficult area.’

‘Heather Calderwood is extremely able and experienced. She invariably finds a way to transform a difficult case into a resounding success. She is an iron fist in a velvet glove in the best possible sense because she maintains good relationships with those she works including in negotiations with opponents whist have a razor sharp focus on the best outcome for her client. Her work ethic is phenomenal.’

‘The team is well-organised and highly knowledgeable about relevant law, practice and procedure. Counsel’s papers are comprehensive and instructions are detailed and helpful.’

‘Experienced litigators handling significant value claims. The team bring a wealth of experience to their litigations. A personable team and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Suzanne McGarrigle is an established, confident practitioner. Without doubt a a subject matter expert on lung diseases.’

‘I worked with Heather McLeod on a case and she left no stone unturned in her investigations and pursuit of the best possible outcome.’

‘Heather Calderwood is extremely able and experienced. She is an iron fist in a velvet glove, as she maintains good relationships with those she works with, including in negotiations with opponents, whist having a razor sharp focus on the best outcome for her client.’

‘Harper Macleod has an exceptional personal injury team. Great strength in depth. Cases are prepared with skill and care. Excellent client handling skills at all levels within the team.’

‘Amy Dickson is an outstanding lawyer. She has a very practical approach and achieves excellent results. Her ability to explain complex issues to her clients is second to none. Her clients are very fortunate to have her on their side.’

‘Craig McKellar is very bright and personable. He is conscientious and his cases are always very well prepared.’

‘The personal injury team at Harper Macleod are always excellent to work with. Their case preparation is thorough and they are always willing to go the extra mile for the clients. Their approach to risk is both realistic and robust, and will fight case on behalf of their clients where required.’

‘Amy Dickson is highly qualified and knowledgeable. She has an excellent rapport with her clients who clearly trust her advice and trust that she is doing the best for them.’

‘Tom Gray handled the sale of our land and further servitude rights with knowledge and efficiency. He was approachable and responsive.’

‘Individuals provide a sense of security, along with a personal touch and do provide a honest assessment with integrity and transparency. Tom Gray has provided an excellent service and has gained the trust and respect of myself and concluded the transaction with true professionalism.’

‘Strong team, enough resource to get the job done, tenacious, accurate and experienced.’

‘The team have a vast wealth of knowledge of a variety of rural matters, covering agricultural issues, disposal advice, disputes and boundary issues. They are flexible in their approach to dealing with new situations and always combine resources to give clear and concise advice that enable us to resolve most issues quickly.’

‘Tom Gray and Hannah McIntosh are both excellent and manage a large caseload efficiently and thoroughly, whilst keeping me informed of progress.’

‘Calum Macleod has a very good grasp of rural property law, including crofting, and how it applies to commercial deals in the countryside. He is not afraid of sticking to his guns where appropriate and necessary.’

‘Good local knowledge and relationships in the Inverness area. Experienced in country estate law.’

‘We dealt with Graeme Nisbet and he was extremely approachable and helpful. Nothing was ever too much bother. He was very patient in explaining legal jargon and what was possible in a particular situation.’

‘Alexis Harper was great, she offered sound advice throughout and listened to all my concerns which for me made the process of my divorce easier.’

‘Alexis Harper has shown herself to be knowledgeable, diligent and experienced. At each step of the divorce process she has provided timely and appropriate advice in matters such as collating material for vouching and employing the services of a forensic accountant when necessary.’

‘Jenny Smith had empathy and understood my situation right away, and she listened. I felt she was really on my side and she took away a lot of the stress I had been experiencing. Jenny is very personable. Jenny knew how to deal with the opposing side very well, she handled it with just the right tone. I never had any doubts about Jenny’s knowledge and capabilities. Jenny took the time to understand my situation and what outcomes were important to me.’

‘This practice is unique, in my opinion, because the genuine desire to help is at the forefront of everything they do. When they were faced with difficulties, due to unforeseen circumstances, I remained a priority and the level of care and professionalism they provided was not effected. I can’t express my gratitude enough to Harper Macleod. Each person involved in my case regarded me as an individual and recognised my needs as a person and not just a client.’

‘Jenny Smith is a very talented solicitor who excels at black letter law and in person has a very constructive manner in meetings and communications.’

‘This is a firm prepared to search out and embrace new areas of family law, such as surrogacy and IVF. They are not afraid to tackle difficult international issues. At the same time they have a sympathy for the individual and a sensitive approach.’

‘Harper Macleod provide a very high quality service in the sphere of Family law. They operate literally across the whole of Scotland (including the northern and western isles) and provide a full range of legal services. ’

‘Amanda Masson has expertise across a wide range of family cases from adoptions to relocation, to divorce and financial provision. She builds good rapport with clients, is pragmatic and very well organised.’

‘Lindsay MacEwen has great intelligence and knowledge, wrapped in a gentle and caring approach.’

‘A very friendly, approachable and helpful team. They conduct themselves in an open and professional manner, while offering the highest level of expertise and support to their clients.’ 

‘Pamela Niven is very personable and technically excellent, and despite having a busy team to run, she always finds time to speak with me if I need her assistance with anything.’

‘Lindsay MacEwen is a constant source of support for me and my clients. Nothing is too much work and she gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Lindsay has a very high level of expertise and I have always been impressed with her technical knowledge.’

‘The unique blend of professionalism and approachability, along with the ability to quickly understand and empathise with clients.’

‘Jacqueline Leslie has a long term commitment to private client and trustee client service.’

‘My main dealings are with Pamela Niven and Kathleen Martin, and what I appreciate is that they really take the time to get to know the client and understand their circumstances and objectives. They also work in a very dynamic and collaborative manner to achieve the optimal solution for our clients.’

‘Julie Doncaster demonstrates a great amount of technical knowledge, whilst providing a very personal and individual service to clients. We feel comfortable when we know our clients are dealing with Julie on any tax, trust or estate planning matters.’

‘Jennifer Jack is experienced and provides sound advice. She is friendly, approachable and responds quickly to queries.’

‘Excellent knowledge and experience of public sector issues, and come up with innovative and collaborative solutions.’

‘Euan Pirie has excellent knowledge and experience of public sectors issues and getting solutions to them.’

‘Efficient and effective client management. Collaborative in approach to achieving innovative and practical solutions.’

‘Calum Gee and Jennifer Jack are experienced solicitors and are able to give sound advice on complicated matters. Both are friendly, approachable and will respond quickly to queries.’

‘The firm are so friendly and approachable. Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to put the client above billing. Excellent knowledge.’

‘Their excellent knowledge of the sector and innovative approaches to the service they provide, which displays willingness to adapt to a changing environment.’

‘Fiona Killen’s knowledge of the technicality of public law and its development over time is second to none. She is responsive and thoughtful in her discussions and is always considerate about, and mindful of, the challenges facing the public sector.’

‘Engaged and efficient, with lots of experience.’

‘Jennifer Jack is one of the leading public lawyers in Scotland.’

‘Calum Gee is an associate to watch.’

‘Professional and efficient.’

‘Jamie Watt is excellent.’

‘Excellent knowledge, happy to help. Personable. Friendly and professional. Can-do attitude.’

‘Jamie Watt goes the extra mile. Client first, rather than billing.’

‘Very nice, smooth and always very professional cooperation in all areas of law.’

‘Jamie Watt is always very reactive and true professional.’

‘Jamie Watt is always responsive to my needs and has been proactive in making new and alternative suggestions to progress and resolve matters. He has helped us secure commercially valuable deals, providing advice both informative and effective.’

‘Great industry knowledge and willingness to explore new technologies and their impacts. The knowledge and skills of the wider company also supports us as we grow our business here in the UK.’

‘Tom Thomas has great knowledge and expertise, we have a great working relationship and I respect his opinions and insight.’

‘The team at Harper Macleod have provided advice and assistance on a range of IT procurement and contract-related issues. The advice and assistance provided has been comprehensive, informative and supported decision making on these issue. Also, the service provided was responsive, with information and guidance provided to meet project timescales.’

‘Jamie Watt is exceptionally knowledgeable, well-informed and commercially minded in a refreshing way.’

‘Top notch knowledge and experience. Excellent client care.’

‘Harper Macleod are superb. They offer complete and accomplished expertise for both businesses and individuals. Our firm has used them primarily for Intellectual Property and Information Law and Employment Law matters. Work has always been performed to a very high standard and the partners are very experienced, insightful and able to work to deadlines. Also, all work is itemised in their Practice Management and reported for billing offering both transparency and confidence.’

‘I’ve worked with Scott Kerr for over a year and his knowledge of IP law is second to none.’

‘Jamie Watt’s work on our international trademark campaign has been outstanding.’

‘The HM team come across as a tight-knit team that work closely together to give a first-rate service. Swift to respond/act and practical down to earth legal advice.’

‘Paula Skinner provides honest, open advice from a bright, experienced individual.’

‘The practice has outstanding technical knowledge in relation to partnerships and LLPs.’

‘Donnie Munro is authoritative. Stephen Chan is a technical expert. Paul MacDonald is a rising star.’

‘A superb team, with extensive partner involvement. They are driven, hard-working and have extensive experience in complex, international and high-value cases.’

‘Harper Macleod has established itself as a leading commercial law firm in Scotland. The key strengths of the team are the sheer effort and skill they expend on advancing their client’s cases. They are always on top of the details of even the most complex of disputes, and combine that with a real dynamism in either driving a case forward or reaching a resolution of disputes.’

‘The stand-out partner is Sandy Hastie. He is widely recognised to be one of the best lawyers in Scotland. He is vastly experienced, commercially-minded, and frighteningly intelligent.

‘John McHugh is vastly experienced and brings a real depth and gravamen to all his cases. There is no one better at understanding and simplifying complex and high-value disputes.’

‘Harper Macleod is an excellent Scottish firm with a very strong and well-respected commercial litigation team. The dispute resolution practice is headed by Sandy Hastie, who is one of the top commercial litigators in Scotland, but the department has real depth of talent.’

‘John McHugh is commercially pragmatic and has always prepared cases excellently. E-Ming Fong is very good with clients and consistently thorough in exploring every possible angle for them. Both have experience of a wide range of work and in dealing with factually complex and unusual cases.’

‘Harper Macleod is an excellent firm. They have brilliant partners and brilliant associates. They are regularly involved in the most complicated litigation in the Scottish courts.’

‘Sandy Hastie is an extremely capable technical lawyer, with a strong commercial awareness. He is able to process and understand complex information very quickly.’

‘The Harper MacLeod team have always been proactive with legal advice. They offer advice in an easy to understand manner. They also breakdown what the legal issue is, what the risk is and importantly, also what the likelihood is of the risk event happening. This assists in making a commercial decision on whether to accept that risk or to seek mitigation.’

‘The Harper Macleod banking team is attentive, commercial and client-focused.’

‘The Harper Macleod Banking Team are really approachable. They can be relied upon to quickly address any contentious points and will provide a clear and quick response/resolution.’

‘Strong team, good depth, knowledge and experience.’

‘Strong team led by Gordon Hollerin who were able to deal with short timescales, complex issues and an ability to get stuff done.’

‘Gordon Hollerin knows the market inside out, was able to provide responses to tricky issues in short order and was always responsive.’

‘Vastly experienced partner-led team, with broad cross-sector experience in both corporate restructuring and corporate/personal insolvency.’

‘James Lloyd and Gordon Hollerin are both a pleasure to work with. Both consistently demonstrate excellent technical knowledge and take a pragmatic and commercial approach to the insolvency assignments I have worked with them on. Widely regarded by the insolvency profession as market-leading restructuring and insolvency lawyers.’

‘A very capable and commercial team who are quick to respond, get to grips with complex issues quickly and offer sound advice based on many years of experience in the insolvency and restructuring sector. Partner availability is never an issue but equally more junior members of the team show an excellent level of knowledge and ability.’

‘Gordon Hollerin stands out as a Partner with a huge amount of experience and who has a practical approach that cuts through difficult issues quickly.’

‘Gordon Hollerin and his team (including service lines that compliment the Restructuring and Insolvency team) are very good to work with. The advice and support received is excellent, including on urgent and time-critical assignments.’

‘James Lloyd is extremely experienced and knowledgeable regarding all matters of insolvency, with a special expertise on personal insolvency. He is responsive and user-friendly.’

‘Excellent knowledge of renewable energy industry.’

‘Pamela Todd is highly knowledgeable, commercially aware and respected by other lawyers, which assists in reaching acceptable outcomes for all parties. Experienced and very easy to work with.’

‘Highly professional, approachable and diligent. They have an excellent network with other legal providers. They understand, and are sympathetic to, their client’s practical requirements to assist with navigating the legal landscape.’

‘Team are very approachable, extremely diligent and experts in their field. They are nearly always available at short notice or respond as soon as possible thereafter. They explain difficult legal matters in a clear manner and are patient in presenting information verbally to suit their client’s expertise.’

‘Pamala Todd has provided first-class support on many key legal aspects of the projects I have worked with her. This support has been provided during due diligence, acquisition, contraction and operation and through some very complex contractual matters.’

‘Euan Pirie has been a key contact. He is responsive to deadlines and his excellent knowledge of the construction industry has been of great benefit over the years. He makes himself available when required and provides clear & direct feedback and advice.’

‘Euan Pirie and his team go above and beyond in providing advice on complex commercial and legal matters. They have reacted quickly to moving targets and delivered within the development programme.’

‘The team advise on NHS PFI contracts. This is a very specialist area and the team has a very high level of skill and knowledge in this particular area.’

‘Our key contact is Euan Pirie. He is extremely knowledgeable in this subject area and very connected to current industry thinking. He is invaluable and provides advice on critical business matters quickly and efficiently.’

‘Strong team, each knowledgeable and able in their own right.’

‘The team focuses on the client needs from a holistic standpoint rather than just a transaction standpoint.’

‘Ross Thomson gives prompt, effective and understandable advice on all matters relevant to his commercial specialisms and allocates other projects in different areas to relevant specialists within the firm.’

‘Euan Bowie has great attention to detail in negotiating commercial leases and providing advice – all of it is supported with an sensible attitude of not getting bogged down in minutiae.’

‘A growing team with a bright future and a quickly developing client base.’

‘Laura McCorquodale is the team’s figurehead and has a wealth of experience in contentious construction disputes. She is a very capable lawyer – strong on the detail, focused on the commercial realities, and excellent with the clients.’

‘A relatively small firm but with a good construction team.’

‘Laura McCorquodale is definitely one to watch as she commands great authority when she is involved in a case. She has a good rapport with clients.’

‘All-rounders in construction, real estate and professional negligence. Strong multi-disciplined team able to deal with complex construction cases.’

‘Michael Conroy heads up the construction offering and is ably assisted by fellow partner Laura McCorquodale and Miranda Cannibal. The team is collectively and individually strong and able to deal with quick adjudications to longer court matters.’

‘They have excellent knowledge and experience in this field to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.’

‘Euan Pirie has strong attention to detail, allowing him to secure the best possible outcome for the organisation. Laura McCorquodale dealt with an urgent legal issue timeously. Richard Gallen is knowledgeable.’

‘The team at Harper Macleod is worlds apart from any other in Scotland for this work. International and national charities actively seek to have this team onside when considering environmental litigation.’

‘Jennifer Jack and Calum Gee are really the stand-out lawyers in this area of the law in Scotland. Jennifer has built a team which is the envy of other firms for the nature of the work that they are asked to carry out.’

‘I was very impressed by Harper Macleod’s handling of the cases. Their advice was sound and conveyed in a manner that the client department understood.’

‘Calum Gee and Jennifer Jack are both knowledgeable in their subject areas, give sound advice, and are approachable. They are quick to respond to any query.’

‘Harper Macleod has a good knowledge of all public law issues and a good understanding of environmental issues, especially from a developer’s point of view.’

‘Peter Ferguson is willing to put in the effort to understand the technical background of a client’s business to be in a position to give them the best possible legal advice. Calum Gee is an excellent all-round litigation lawyer who can turn his hand to anything.’

‘I believe Harper Macleod has a significant and sufficient number of partners and associates to be able to undertake cases requiring appropriate ranges of expertise.’

‘Our solicitor proved to be highly competent, diligent, focused and ready to pursue our needs to the fullest that the law would allow. We were provided excellent support and explanations regarding legal matters that we initially did not understand in order to frame and then successfully prosecute our case.’

‘Harper Macleod’s depth of talent sets them apart. No matter your requirements, they have the expertise to assist. ’

‘Andrew Upton’s levels of knowledge and service have been exceptional and I have no hesitation in recommending him in the highest possible terms.’

‘The individuals in the Property Litigation team have in-depth experience and provide real clarity from the outset on the approach they will adopt and outcomes they aim to achieve for the client. No waffle, just results.’

‘They have industry-leading knowledge of the renewable energy industry.’

‘John McHugh is commercially aware and able to provide high-quality legal advice throughout disputes.’

‘Harper Macleod exudes a dynamic, innovative and business-focused energy. I would categorise them as having big-firm quality and mindset with medium-firm price and approachability.’

‘Growing levels of experience in marine and shipping.’

‘Ricardo Matteo is the main contact – very good and helpful throughout various transactions.’

‘Willingness to learn the industry we are in.’

‘I found the practice, from enquiry to engagement to fulfilment, effortless and supportive, which gave me confidence during a challenging time with my ex-employer.’

‘Scott Milligan put me at ease from start to finish. His soft skills were a massive differentiator and something I wasn’t expecting. He was always ready to put me at ease, available for counsel and guided me effortlessly through a tough time.’

‘Ewan Stafford’s responsiveness and availability were notable, making himself accessible to us at all times. His immediate support instilled confidence in our understanding of our rights and our position, guiding us on the best course of action. His wealth of experience and professionalism were evident and precisely what my family and I needed during this critical time.’

‘Harper Macleod has a comprehensive team of professionals who can provide support and assistance across a plethora of legal subjects. This enables the client to focus on the issues at hand whilst the professionals take on the role of leading and managing the legal issue.’

‘Bruce Caldow provided clarity and confidence.’

‘The firm is very professional.’

‘Bruce Caldow is exceptional.’

‘Harper McLeod builds strong, client-dedicated teams, focusing on delivering client requirements with experienced staff while being cost-effective. The size of the business ensures everyone on their team feels involved and works hard for the clients.’

‘Caroline Summers provides excellent service, She is very knowledgeable across all real estate areas and offers sound, pragmatic advice.’

‘The support and service from this team have always been excellent. As a client, you feel in safe hands, with their responsiveness and support in stressful situations.’

‘John Meehan is an excellent partner. I have absolute trust in his advice and guidance. Jenna McLean is an exceptional associate who is incredibly responsive, supportive, patient and compassionate.’

‘Harper MacLeod offers sound and sensible advice.’

‘Chris Noble is very experienced, always ready to assist, patient, and able to explain legal matters plainly. He manages his workload effectively, reducing the need for follow-ups.’

‘Harper MacLeod provided excellent assistance. The work was carried out quickly and efficiently, and the advice given was excellent.’

‘Calum Gee and Jennifer Jack are both experienced solicitors who give sound advice. Both are approachable and friendly and respond quickly to queries despite being very busy.’

‘They are highly professional, approachable and diligent. They have an excellent network with other legal providers.’

‘The team is very approachable and extremely diligent, and the lawyers are experts in their field. They explain difficult legal matters in a clear manner and are patient in presenting information verbally.’

‘Peter Ferguson has provided first-class support during due diligence, acquisition, and contraction and through some very complex contractual matters.’

‘The broad team has good local authority coverage.’

‘Jennifer Jack is an excellent public lawyer with good hands-on planning experience.’

‘Harper Macleod is excellent in all aspects of public law including planning law and work for a number of busy local authorities.’