Acting for an impressive list of clients that includes Scottish government agencies, public sector bodies, and multinational corporates, Harper Macleod LLP is regularly sought out for its expertise in handling subsidy control and public procurement issues, with an increasing stream of instructions relating to the Subsidy Control Act 2022. The firm also has competition litigation expertise, as well as EU and CMA merger control experience. Donnie Munro oversees the practice, and James McMorrow is the main contact for public sector clients seeking competition law advice, particularly in the context of major infrastructure projects. Jennifer Jack is well regarded for her contentious, and Fiona Killen, who joined the team from Burness Paull LLP in June 2023, adds further experience working with public bodies. Wendy Richardson has also been notably active across a range of matters.

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Key clients

  • Glasgow City Council
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • Inverclyde Council
  • Cairngorms National Park Authority
  • NatureScot
  • Scottish Fire and Rescue
  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Orkney Islands Council
  • Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service
  • Fife Council

Work highlights

  • Acted for GCC in relation to a part of its project to raise funding in order to fund a significant equal pay settlement agreed by the council with its employees.
  • Advising Inverclyde Council on the Inverkip City Region Deal Project in partnership with Scottish Power/Iberdrola, which includes advising on Subsidy Control Act 2022 compliance.
  • Advising Orkney Islands Council on all aspects of the £200m+ Scapa Deep Water Quay Project.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Donnie Munro

Other key lawyers

James McMorrow, Jennifer Jack, Fiona Killen, Wendy Richardson