Transport

Brodies LLP

Brodies LLP has a ‘leading Scottish market presence and knowledge’, often receiving instructions from the foremost publicly-owned companies and public authorities in the transport space. Rail and maritime mandates continue to be a key component of the team’s work, overseeing commercial agreements, procurements, and IT and software issues and complex, highly sensitive claims. ’Technically excellent‘ team head Duncan MacLean is a ’very experienced shipping lawyer who knows the market and industry very well’, specialising in investigatory work and port developments. Co-head Karen Hamilton is a go-to name for road mandates, acting for local authorities, developers and landowners, while co-lead Robert Ross specialises in the rail sector and is equally equipped at handling corporate, commercial and IT projects. Malcolm Gunnyeon has notable expertise in substantial contractual and delictual claims regarding rail accidents. Victoria Anderson carries out investigatory, regulatory and criminal inquiries for clients across the shipping, transport and construction spaces, while Fehmida Hanif excels in contentious work. Roger Cotton and Jackie McGuire retired in December 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Our work with Brodies on transport matters is with Duncan MacLean. Duncan is an outstanding adviser: knowledgeable, pragmatic and understands the best way to deliver the desired result whilst looking after the present and also the future of our business. He is clearly very well respected by the many officials and authorities he engages with. A brilliant guy to work with.’
‘Leading Scottish market presence and knowledge.’
‘Robert Ross is our main contact at Brodies. He is easy to deal with, organised and commercially astute. He has done an excellent job of driving along projects and working as part of the team. His in-house background means that he gets what a business and its legal advisers need in terms of legal service.’
‘Good depth in the team and experience, trusted advisers on shipping and marine matters.’
‘The team is very good, with a strong focus on logistics, shipping and insurance. We have worked together for many years on various matters, and found them to be commercial in their approach and responsive.’
‘Duncan MacLean is our go-to lawyer for Scottish litigation and Scots law advice. Duncan is a very experienced shipping lawyer who knows the market and industry very well. He is technically excellent and responsive.’
‘The team are always very professional and knowledgeable with all queries and issues we have presented to them. Their understanding of our sector demonstrated their expertise.’
‘The team possesses an exceptional combination of knowledge and experience, enabling them to comprehend issues from the client's perspective and offer practical advice. Their collaboration with us over the past few years has allowed them to gain a broader understanding of our business, enabling them to anticipate potential issues and risks and provide relevant advice. Additionally, the team excels in responding to tight timescales, and their project management support enables us to meet business demands effectively.’

Key clients

Aberdeen City Council
Agility Logistics
Albatrans
Argyll and Bute Council
Associated British Ports
AXA XL
Bank of Scotland
Beazley
BP Shipping Ltd
Borr Drilling
Caledonian Sleeper
CalMac Ferries
City of Edinburgh Council
Clarkson Port Services
Clyde Marine Services
Clyde Marine Recruitment
Clydesdale Bank
DB Cargo
Edinburgh City Council
Falkirk Council
International Group P&I Clubs
Jacobs UK Ltd
Lerwick Port Authority
Leyland Trucks Limited
Lothian Buses
Maersk Drilling
Midlothian Council
MS Amlin
Montrose Port Authority
Network Rail
North Ayrshire Council
Northern Lighthouse Board
NMU Speciality Insurance
Orkney Islands Council
Perth and Kinross Council
Petroineos
Port of Ardersier Ltd
Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia
RSA Insurance
Scottish Rail Holdings
ScotRail
Seaway Heavy Lift
Serco Northlink Ferries
Stirling Council
Stornoway Port Authority
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
Subsea 7 Ltd
Sunderland Marine
Svitzer Marine Ltd
Swire Oilfield Do Brasil Limitada
TT Club
Viking Cruises
XPO Logistics

Work highlights

Advising on core operational services contracts for ScotRail Trains Limited.
Instructed on the Cross Tay Link Road, which will include a new road bridge over the Highland mainline railway and one of Scotland’s largest rivers.
Instructed by RSA Insurance and Dales Marine Services in a high-profile major incident when a ship capsized in Leith harbour due to high winds.

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