With a focus on affordable homes, civil and engineering contracts, sustainable projects, and disputes, Harper Macleod LLP’s construction and engineering group is under the joint leadership of Michael Conroy, Euan Pirie, and Laura McCorquodale. Conroy’s practice includes a mixture of transactional and contentious matters, advising developers, contractors, funders, and claims consultants. Pirie supports both public and private sector clients, with extensive experience in procurement and contract negotiation. McCorquodale is a skilled commercial litigator who handles payment disputes, defects, and professional negligence claims against construction professionals.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘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.’

Key clients

  • Advance Construction (Scotland) Limited
  • Angus Council
  • Fife Council
  • Forsyths Limited
  • Hub North Scotland Limited
  • Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco Limited
  • North Ayrshire Council
  • Orkney Islands Council
  • Sanctuary Housing Association
  • University of St. Andrews

Work highlights

  • Advised Hub North Scotland Limited as main contractor/development partner for the Aberdeen City Vision Project, which is being procured for Aberdeen City Council.
  • Advised Forsyths Limited on a contract for the major expansion of the Whyte & Mackay Distillery at Dalmore.
  • Advised Orkney Islands Council in relation to a £200m+ harbour improvement project

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Conroy, Euan Pirie, Laura McCorquodale

Other key lawyers

John McHugh, Miranda Cannibal, Richard Gallen