Harper Macleod climbs legal directory rankings

The new 2016 listings see the firm rise in three existing areas – construction, corporate and IP – while making its debut in two others: agriculture & rural affairs and retail.

Overall, the firm and its lawyers are now ranked in Chambers UK in 24 practice areas – with no fewer than 26 individual lawyers ranked in their respective specialist areas.

Combined with the Legal 500, the firm is ranked in 31 distinct practice areas with 35 individual lawyers recommended.

Harper Macleod chairman, Professor Lorne D Crerar (pictured), himself ranked Scotland’s sole “Eminent Practitioner” in sports law, said: “A large part of the Chambers UK rankings comes from input of our peers and our clients. We wouldn’t be able to achieve such results were it not for the support of our clients and we are very grateful to them for helping us to achieve these successes.

“Over the past 12 months the firm has grown significantly and this has been reflected in our rankings within Chambers. We have made significant investments in our people and services, with the sole purpose of improving the quality and range of advice we are able to give to our clients, and this is welcome independent recognition that we are doing just that.”

Highlights of Harper Macleod 2016 rankings include:

HM’s construction team, which carries out contentious and non-contentious work, is described as a “respected team advising purchaser-side clients from the public and private sectors as well as major contractors. Often acts on substantial infrastructure developments.”

The firm’s corporate team, meanwhile, was described by clients as “very straightforward and down-to-earth. They really deliver on what is required - I’ve been impressed and I would recommend them”.

Harper Macleod’s head of corporate, Donald Munro, was praised by clients as “great to work with. He brings a degree of gravitas to the situation while also being very practical in his approach.”

Harper Macleod’s retail team made a debut in the rankings, recognition of its excellent all round service. Department head David Kaye is top ranked in franchising while Andrew Fraser is noted as an “Associate to Watch”.

Meanwhile the rural team, which acts for some of Scotland’s leading rural sector bodies including Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage as well as individual landowners, saw it’s emerging profile acknowledged as it won a place in the agriculture & rural affairs rankings.

Among the firm’s 26 individually ranked lawyers, seven are listed in the top tier for their specialisms.

They are: