Embedded in the firm’s overall dispute resolution offering, the professional negligence practice at Harper Macleod LLP has a strong track record pursuing claims against financial services, accountancy and legal professionals. The team is also regularly instructed to act against insurers. The ‘outstanding team’ is jointly led by Sandy Hastie and David Kerr, and includes John McHugh and Laura McCorquodale; McHugh and McCorquodale are frequently instructed to assist with high-value, complex matters across the construction sector. Also in the core team are litigators Andrew MacKenzie and E-Ming Fong as well as associate Adam de Ste Croix.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Harper Macleod is a market leader in professional negligence matters. They have vast experience in such disputes. Their strength lies in their versatility - they act for individuals, companies, insurance companies and large multinationals on both sides of the disputes. The sheer breadth of their practice gives them an advantage over other firms that specialise in, for example, pursuer or defender work.’
‘Andrew MacKenzie has good technical knowledge and is very active in this field. He appears in many of his own cases, and also instructs counsel. Laura McCorquodale is a standout. She is great to work with - very friendly, approachable and great at communication. She is also highly intelligent and experienced in this field of law.’
‘An outstanding team.’
‘Sandy Hastie must be amongst the best lawyers in the country. David Kerr is a highly capable individual. I'd instruct him in a heartbeat; he just gets it. John McHugh is very clever and has considerable experience of professional negligence claims. E-Ming Fong is a tenacious litigator with finely tuned commercial instincts.’
‘Harper Macleod is a firm that works with the client and for the client. Gets to grips with a situation very quickly, great strategic thinking and impeccable attention to detail.’
‘Adam De Ste Croix is particularly rigorous in identifying the facts and researching the legal position that pertains. He is keen to identify the truth and to identify the waypoints and circumstances that have led to a negligent outcome. In some cases, it has taken detailed searches, patient information gathering and sheer persistence to gain disclosure of key facts which were not otherwise being made readily available. He is not scared to cross boundaries or ruffle feathers in pursuit of the truth and an honest outcome.’
Key clients
- Centenary 6 Limited
- Sanctuary Housing Association Limited
- Harbour Homes Limited
- Optical Express Group
- Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
Work highlights
- Advised an individual on a $150m action against the purchasers of his shareholding in an oil and gas company, and their solicitors based on an unlawful means conspiracy, including a successful appeal to the Inner House of the Court of Session.
- Representing Centenary 6 Ltd in a £40m loss of an opportunity claim against a firm of solicitors. This concerned legal advice given by the firm which resulted in the irretrievable loss of a prior right of action.
- Acting for Sanctuary Housing Association Limited on a dispute arising out of a large contract for energy improvement works to housing stock to be carried out by E.On. Advising the client on its options for pursuing remedies against the various parties involved in the allegedly negligent performance of the works.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sandy Hastie, David Kerr