Independent editorial overview of leading commercial litigation practices in Edinburgh, Scotland. This guide highlights law firms recognised for their expertise in shareholder disputes, contract litigation, professional negligence, intellectual property disputes, and cross-border commercial cases. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The following firms have been selected based on independent directory rankings, case experience, and professional reputation. Each entry lists three notable commercial litigation lawyers and one or two authoritative sources.
Top commercial litigation law firms in Edinburgh
- Brodies LLP Edinburgh
Scotland’s largest independent firm, with a strong track record in complex commercial disputes and high-value litigation.
Notable lawyers: Tony Jones KC, Christine O’Neill KC, Elaine McIlroy.
Sources: 1
- Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP Edinburgh
Leading full-service Scottish firm, acting for corporates and financial institutions in commercial disputes and arbitration.
Notable lawyers: Guy Harvey, Stephen Humphreys, Jennifer Scott.
Sources: 2
- Burness Paull LLP Edinburgh
Highly regarded for litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in commercial contracts, IP and professional negligence.
Notable lawyers: Geoff Clarke, Sarah Phillips, Gary Moffat.
Sources: 3
- Dentons UK & Middle East LLP Edinburgh
Global law firm with strong Scottish presence, advising corporates and banks on high-value commercial disputes.
Notable lawyers: Claire Armstrong, Michael Thomson, Andrew Richardson.
Sources: 4
- Thorntons Law LLP Edinburgh
Trusted Scottish firm advising businesses on disputes ranging from shareholder conflicts to insolvency litigation.
Notable lawyers: Colin Graham, Gillian McDonald, Murray Etherington.
Sources: 5
- BTO Solicitors LLP Edinburgh
Strong litigation practice representing clients in commercial disputes, arbitration and professional negligence claims.
Notable lawyers: Lesley Gordon, David Young, Marion Campbell.
Sources: 6
- Pinsent Masons LLP Edinburgh
International firm with Edinburgh office, handling cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration matters.
Notable lawyers: Laura Cameron, John MacKenzie, Euan Ferguson.
Sources: 7
- CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP Edinburgh
Large firm with strength in commercial disputes, insolvency-related litigation and corporate conflict matters.
Notable lawyers: Morven Masterton, Paul Carlyle, Alan Nelson.
Sources: 8
- Anderson Strathern LLP Edinburgh
Respected Scottish firm with wide-ranging litigation experience including commercial, real estate and contract disputes.
Notable lawyers: Robert Carr, Catriona Watt, Bruce Farquhar.
Sources: 9
- Harper Macleod LLP Edinburgh
Prominent national firm with a strong disputes team, advising clients on commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation.
Notable lawyers: Martin Darroch, Jennifer Jack, Michael Baird.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is commercial litigation
It refers to disputes between businesses or individuals over commercial rights and obligations, including contracts, partnerships, and financial matters.
Which court hears commercial disputes in Edinburgh
The Court of Session in Edinburgh hears complex, high-value commercial disputes, while the Sheriff Court also deals with certain commercial cases.
What types of disputes are common
Common disputes include shareholder disagreements, contract breaches, professional negligence, intellectual property issues and insolvency litigation.
Can commercial disputes be resolved without going to court
Yes. Many disputes are resolved through mediation, negotiation or arbitration, which can be faster and more cost-effective than litigation.
How long do cases take
Simple disputes may resolve within months, while complex cases in the Court of Session can take several years depending on evidence and appeals.
Are arbitration and mediation common in Scotland
Yes. Both arbitration and mediation are widely used in Scotland for resolving commercial disputes efficiently and confidentially.
What remedies are available
Remedies may include damages, injunctions, declaratory relief, or enforcement of contractual obligations.
Can judgments from Scotland be enforced abroad
Yes. Many Scottish judgments can be enforced internationally under reciprocal recognition agreements and common law principles.
Do I need a specialist commercial litigator
Yes. Commercial litigation is complex and requires experienced lawyers with expertise in both Scots law and cross-border issues.
How do I choose the right firm
Look for independent directory rankings, proven track records in disputes similar to yours, and strong local knowledge of the Edinburgh courts.
Endnotes
- Brodies LLP litigation services. Source: Brodies.
- Shepherd and Wedderburn litigation overview. Source: Shepherd and Wedderburn.
- Burness Paull dispute resolution. Source: Burness Paull.
- Dentons Edinburgh profile. Source: Dentons.
- Thorntons litigation and dispute resolution. Source: Thorntons.
- BTO disputes practice. Source: BTO Solicitors.
- Pinsent Masons global services. Source: Pinsent Masons.
- CMS litigation and arbitration services. Source: CMS.
- Anderson Strathern litigation team. Source: Anderson Strathern.
- Harper Macleod dispute resolution overview. Source: Harper Macleod.
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