Independent editorial overview of the leading construction disputes law firms in Edinburgh, Scotland. This guide highlights practices with expertise in adjudication, arbitration, contract disputes, professional negligence, delay and disruption claims, and construction litigation. 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 Edinburgh firms are recognised for their construction disputes expertise, commercial awareness, and consistent recognition in legal directories such as Chambers UK and Legal 500. Each entry includes three leading lawyers and one or two authoritative references for transparency.
Top construction disputes lawyers in Edinburgh
- Brodies LLP Edinburgh
Scotland’s largest independent firm, advising on complex construction disputes involving arbitration, adjudication, and litigation.
Notable lawyers: Tony Jones KC, Ken MacDonald, Andrew Hedges.
Sources: 1
- Burness Paull LLP Edinburgh
Highly regarded for contentious construction matters, including infrastructure disputes, professional negligence, and adjudications.
Notable lawyers: Iain Drummond, Andrew Kinloch, Kirsty Maclean.
Sources: 2
- Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP Edinburgh
Leading construction practice with deep expertise in disputes arising from energy, transport, and commercial projects.
Notable lawyers: Ewan MacLeod, Gillian Campbell, John MacKenzie.
Sources: 3
- Pinsent Masons LLP Edinburgh
Internationally recognised construction law team advising on arbitration, adjudication, and major project disputes in Scotland and beyond.
Notable lawyers: Michelle Nelson, Jonathan Hart, Fiona MacGregor.
Sources: 4
- Dentons UK and Middle East LLP Edinburgh
Global law firm with a strong Scottish disputes team advising contractors, developers, and insurers on contentious construction issues.
Notable lawyers: Alison Bryce, Claire Armstrong, Richard Mortimer.
Sources: 5
- Anderson Strathern LLP Edinburgh
Well-regarded for advising contractors and public sector clients on disputes involving delay, disruption, and defective works.
Notable lawyers: Bruce Farquhar, Catherine Shields, John Kerr.
Sources: 6
- Harper Macleod LLP Edinburgh
Prominent Scottish firm offering expertise in construction disputes, adjudication, and professional negligence claims.
Notable lawyers: Tony Cameron, Paula Skinner, Gordon Stark.
Sources: 7
- Thorntons Law LLP Edinburgh
Respected practice with experience in construction contract disputes, adjudications, and claims involving SMEs and developers.
Notable lawyers: Craig Nicol, Robbie McKenzie, Stephanie Carr.
Sources: 8
- CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP Edinburgh
Global firm with a strong Edinburgh office specialising in construction arbitration, adjudication, and high-value infrastructure disputes.
Notable lawyers: Paul Carlyle, Fiona Henderson, Kevin Davidson.
Sources: 9
- MacRoberts LLP Edinburgh
Experienced Scottish firm handling construction-related professional negligence and disputes involving commercial developments.
Notable lawyers: John MacKenzie, Claire Davis, David Wylie.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What does a construction disputes lawyer do
They advise on resolving disputes between contractors, developers, architects, and clients, including adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.
What is adjudication in construction law
Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process where an independent adjudicator makes a binding decision within a short timescale.
When should I seek legal advice in a construction dispute
As soon as a dispute arises, especially if it involves contractual interpretation, payment issues, delays, or defective work.
Do Edinburgh firms handle international disputes
Yes. Several top firms in Edinburgh have expertise in cross-border disputes and arbitration involving international contractors and projects.
What sectors rely most on construction disputes lawyers
Energy, infrastructure, commercial property, and housing sectors often require construction disputes expertise.
Are most construction disputes settled out of court
Yes. Many disputes are resolved through adjudication, negotiation, or arbitration before reaching full litigation.
Can lawyers assist with professional negligence claims
Yes. Lawyers regularly act in claims against architects, engineers, and other professionals where errors have caused financial loss.
What is arbitration in construction disputes
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process where a neutral arbitrator issues a binding decision, often used for large-scale projects.
How long do construction disputes take to resolve
Simple adjudications may be resolved in weeks, while complex litigation can take months or years depending on the issues.
How do I choose the right construction disputes lawyer in Edinburgh
Look for firms with sector expertise, proven track records, and recognition in directories such as Chambers UK and Legal 500.
Endnotes
- Brodies LLP overview. Source: Brodies LLP.
- Burness Paull overview. Source: Burness Paull LLP.
- Shepherd and Wedderburn overview. Source: Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP.
- Pinsent Masons overview. Source: Pinsent Masons LLP.
- Dentons overview. Source: Dentons.
- Anderson Strathern overview. Source: Anderson Strathern LLP.
- Harper Macleod overview. Source: Harper Macleod LLP.
- Thorntons overview. Source: Thorntons Law LLP.
- CMS overview. Source: CMS.
- MacRoberts overview. Source: MacRoberts LLP.
If you would like your firm or lawyer profile enhanced for online visibility, get in touch.