Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Scottish Law Firm in Glasgow
Harper Macleod, established in 1988, is one of Scotland's leading full-service law firms with specialists across all legal disciplines. Our client-centric approach prioritizes your success through tailored legal solutions, combining deep expertise with a commitment to ESG principles. Recognized as Scottish Law Firm of the Year nine times, including the Chambers UK Awards 2025, we serve businesses, individuals, and public sector clients nationally and internationally. Our entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation in legal services, while our nationwide presence across six Scottish offices ensures local understanding with global reach.We maintain rigorous governance standards and have pioneered flexible working practices, earning accolades as a top employer. Our team of over 200 legal professionals delivers practical guidance grounded in 35+ years of experience, with particular strength in corporate M&A, dispute resolution, and rural economy law. As ESG Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Scotland Awards 2023-2024, we integrate sustainability into all operations while maintaining a 98% client retention rate.
Services
Corporate Law
Dispute Resolution
Employment Law
Real Estate
Family Law
Mergers & Acquisitions
Public Sector Law
Rural Economy
Commercial Litigation
Wills & Estates
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of proven legal expertise across 47 practice areas
- Our client retention rate exceeds 98% through personalized service
- Awarded Scottish Law Firm of the Year nine times by industry authorities
- Pioneers in ESG integration with The Legal 500 Green Guide recognition
- Nationwide presence with local knowledge across six Scottish offices
Associations and certifications
- Chambers UK
- The Legal 500
- Investors in People
- Scottish Business Pledge
- Real Living Wage Scotland
What people say
Award-winning legal expertise
Personalized client service
Commercial awareness
Technical excellence
Strong track record
Services
Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions
Our award-winning corporate team advises businesses of all sizes on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. With particular expertise in family-owned and employee-owned businesses, we provide strategic guidance on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and succession planning. Our lawyers operate from offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness, serving clients across Scotland and internationally.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Recognized as one of Scotland's leading dispute resolution teams, we handle complex commercial litigation in sectors including real estate, energy, and financial services. Our approach combines forensic analysis with practical solutions, representing clients in both domestic and international arbitrations. We maintain a strong presence in Scotland's Commercial Court and appellate tribunals.
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services for employers and employees across Scotland. Our expertise covers workplace disputes, contract negotiations, and compliance with employment regulations. The team advises on restructuring, redundancies, and discrimination claims while maintaining a focus on preventative legal strategies.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers commercial property transactions, development projects, and rural land management. We specialize in advising on renewable energy projects, agricultural holdings, and urban regeneration schemes. The team handles complex property portfolios for both private and public sector clients throughout Scotland.
Family Law
We offer expert family law services including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements. Our client-focused approach prioritizes amicable resolutions while preparing for litigation when necessary. The team handles high-net-worth cases and international family law matters with sensitivity and discretion.
People
Christopher J Kerr
Partner
With over 25 years' experience in corporate law, Chris specializes in M&A transactions and business succession planning. He leads deals in Scotland's energy and rural economy sectors, combining technical expertise with strategic commercial advice for owner-managed businesses.
Paula Skinner
Partner
Recognized as a leading corporate lawyer in Scotland, Paula focuses on technology sector M&A and venture capital investments. Her expertise in growth company transactions has supported numerous Scottish startups through successful exits and funding rounds.
Sandy Hastie
Partner
Head of Dispute Resolution in Edinburgh, Sandy has handled some of Scotland's most complex commercial litigation cases. With over 30 years' experience, he specializes in banking disputes, professional negligence claims, and appellate court representation.
David Kerr
Partner
Glasgow-based litigation specialist David has represented major construction firms and energy companies in high-value disputes. His practice focuses on construction law, professional indemnity claims, and complex contractual disputes in Scotland's courts.
Jo Nisbet
Partner
Corporate finance specialist Jo advises growth companies on fundraising and investment transactions. She leads technology sector deals and has particular expertise in EMI share option schemes and venture capital funding structures.
Questions
What areas of law does Harper Macleod specialize in?
We specialize in 47 practice areas including corporate law, commercial litigation, real estate, employment law, family law, and public sector legal services, with particular strength in M&A transactions and rural economy law.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
We operate from six Scottish offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Elgin, Thurso, and Shetland, serving clients nationwide while maintaining international connections for cross-border transactions.
What makes Harper Macleod different from other law firms?
Our combination of client-centric service, 35+ years' experience, and ESG leadership distinguishes us. We maintain partner-led teams and have won Scottish Law Firm of the Year nine times while pioneering sustainable legal practices.
What awards has Harper Macleod won?
We've won Scottish Law Firm of the Year nine times, including Chambers UK Awards 2025, and ESG Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Scotland Awards 2023-2024, with 178 lawyer rankings in major directories.
