Situated within Burness Paull LLP’s wider dispute resolution practice, the personal injury team is well-versed in handling maritime incidents, racial harassment litigation and occupational accident claims. Praised as 'commercially aware, pragmatic, approachable and knowledgeable’, Andrew Forsyth leads the team and handles on marine personal injury litigation, occupational disease claims and employers’ liability cases. Neil Smith defends personal injury litigation for clients following accidents at sea and is another key contact in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The practice provide timely, efficient and relevant advice on matters brought to their attention. The efficiency, response and engagement by the practice within all levels of the business is commendable.’

  • ‘Andrew Forsyth and Neil Smith were both excellent in how they reacted quickly to a difficult situation and both had a great manner in how they dealt with our staff.’
  • ‘Always quick to respond to questions and queries both during the working day and out of hours. Took the time to explain everything in layman's terms so it was easy to understand various legal issues.’

  • ‘Great in handling claims, with constant quality checks by senior partners. Swift and concise reporting to us as clients.’

  • 'Andrew Forsyth is a brilliant partner. He has knowledge of the maritime industry and the challenges faced.'

  • ‘Knowledge of their subject area, pragmatic handling of claims and knowledge of their clients.'

  • 'Andrew Forsyth is commercially aware, pragmatic, approachable and knowledgeable.'

Key clients

  • NorthStandard
  • Circet
  • Charles Taylor Limited
  • Noble Drilling
  • Subsea 7
  • Resolute Management
  • CalMac Ferries
  • AXA XL
  • Halliburton

Work highlights

  • Acting for a vessel operator in defending a high value marine incident following a traumatic amputation on an FPSO.
  • Defending a seven-figure personal litigation arising from alleged harassment at work.
  • Defending an employer’s liability claim at trial on behalf of a large corporate client.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Forsyth

Other key lawyers

Neil Smith