Harper Macleod LLP

Boasting a broad commercial offering across the sports sector, ranging from employment to IP and data protection, the Harper Macleod LLP team is praised as ‘approachable’ and ’responsive’ by the national governing bodies and sports clubs it represents. The practice’s expertise covers the contentious arena, frequently advising on unlawful discrimination, defamation, and financial breach claims. The ‘hugely impressive’ Glasgow-based head Bruce Caldow has considerable experience of handling matters in the football, rugby, and golf spaces; Lorne Crerar stands out for his work in sporting discipline issues; and Tom Thomas specialises in broadcasting and IP rights affairs. Carolyn Morgan primarily focuses on property-related disputes in a sports context, while both David Kerr and Edinburgh-based Jamie Watt concentrate on complex sponsorship agreement topics.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘David Kerr is an extremely able lawyer who combines a total commitment to his clients with a shrewd grasp of the commercial realities in any litigation. In my view he is a standout performer in this field.'
‘Bruce Caldow is a hugely impressive partner with a calm and reassuring approach. His advice clearly comes from a position of a deep understanding of the technical legal matters together with extensive experience of the sector. He communicates in a clear, pragmatic and easily understandable manner.'
'I have been working with Andrew Maxwell on and off for nearly three years. Throughout this time, he has been a calm and reassuring source of advice and counsel. He has an impressive depth of experience coupled with a sound radar for recognising when a matter needs to be escalated. The builds a confidence and trust in his input.’
‘A very responsive law firm who cater for all of our needs as a governing body of sport. They provide a diverse range of expertise in providing an excellent level of service and advice. And with it are very different in approach, spending time and making an effort to understand our culture, values and people.’
‘Approachable, responsive, evidently very well qualified with depth of experience, authentic and prepared to spend the time understand us and our people. Harper MacLeod feel like they are part of the team.’
‘Vast knowledge and expertise. Highly regarded within the sporting sector in Scotland. Excellent collaboration abilities. Well thought of by a wide range of partners. The people have an excellent way of working, a balance of knowledge, skill, professionalism whilst being friendly, supportive and understanding.’
‘Bruce Caldow and Andrew Maxwell are extremely professional and supportive with a friendly and approachable demeanour. Expertise is second to none. Always willing to go above and beyond to assist and provide clear guidance in a way that is understandable to a non-legal mind. A strong and trustworthy partnership has been built up over a number of years.’

Key clients

sportscotland
Cricket Scotland
Cricket Scotland
Scottish Rugby
Scottish Rugby
Commonwealth Games Scotland
Enduro Sports & UCI CWC 2023 Events
Airdrie FC
UK sports councils equality group & trans participation
Scottish Athletics

Work highlights

Re-appointed as sole legal advisers for sportscotland’s “expert resource” available to SGBs following competitive tender, continuing to provide the full spectrum of support across all of Scottish sport.
Acting for Cricket Scotland across multiple complex investigations together with EDI specialists, Sporting Equals, whilst separately supporting the governance review required and helping Cricket Scotland separately explore new opportunities across participation and commercial streams.
Supporting long-term client Scottish Rugby in the implementation of new governance arrangements, whilst Bruce Caldow totted up his 20th season supporting the men’s national side with player representation and advisory work, when red cards or citings arise.