'Arguably the best large independent firm in Scotland’, Burness Paull LLP provides exceptional depth and breadth of expertise, operating at the forefront of the market’s most significant restructurings and insolvencies. The senior ranks were considerably bolstered when both Allana Sweeney and Sophia Harrison were promoted to partner in August 2022, with Sweeney having considerable experience of law firm insolvencies and barrister Harrison playing a leading role in the firm’s largest insolvency disputes and cross-border schemes of arrangement. ‘Outstanding practitioner’ Michael Thomson leads the practice and is a go-to adviser on big-ticket UK-wide insolvencies, while Gary Moffat is a renowned insolvency litigation specialist in the Scottish market.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team are extremely capable and knowledgeable about their specialisms, building confidence that the matters they deal with will be properly handled.’
‘They all are extremely capable and approachable and happy to discuss matters to come to the correct course of action.’
‘Michael Thomson and Allana Sweeney have built a strong team that is very responsive. They are excellent lawyers able to manage complex transactions efficiently and deliver for clients. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Michael Thomson is very visible and hands-on. He is pragmatic and co-operative with all parties in order to get to the right solution on any assignment.’
‘Allana Sweeney is excellent and really knows her stuff. She can see the issues and is very collaborative in finding solutions.’
‘Led by partners , Michael Thomson and Allana Sweeney, this team is talented, hard working and genuinely focussed on the client. They deliver positive outcomes while retaining a positive attitude throughout what can often be stressful negotiations.’
‘Michael Thomson is bright and highly engaging. He really listens to what the clients want, never over complicates and delivers.’
‘Allana Sweeney is an exceptional lawyer with a fantastic eye for detail and very strong on the technical side, but never loses sight of what the client needs.’

Key clients

WM Morrison Supermarkets
Macquarie Bank
The Insolvency Service
FRP
Interpath
Grant Thornton
Fedrigoni Group
Lossie Seafoods
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd
Bones Restaurant Group

Work highlights

Acted in advising Morrisons on its acquisition of the business and assets of McColl’s Retail Group (and various subsidiaries) by way of a pre-pack administration sale.
Acted for Interpath Ltd, as administrators of Newcastle Glassworks Limited, Newcastle Glassworks Management Limited and Bricks K5 Capital Ltd.
Acting for the Fedrigoni Group, the Milan-headquartered Italian paper manufacturing conglomerate, in relation to its purchase of certain assets out of the administration of the Arjowiggins Group UK.