Scottish law firms are turning their attention increasingly to the country’s renewable-energy sector as a source of work, according to a snapshot of Britain’s legal fraternity.
The latest edition of the Legal 500 – released today – says law practices are recognising the growing importance of the green industry and that Aberdeen is a “key strategic location for any firm with a presence in the energy sector”.
It adds: “All firms appear to agree on the significance of this industry and the role it will be playing in Scotland for the foreseeable future.
“Many firms which had not previously focused on it are now gearing up their energy capability.”
The 2011 Legal 500 report also says that every Scottish law firm has been affected by economic uncertainty.
It adds: “Emerging from three years of economic turmoil, the Scottish legal market looks significantly different to that which rode the crest of the transactional wave in 2007.”
The authors say different strategies to cope with the recession have emerged, with the so-called “big four” law practices – Dundas & Wilson (D&W), Maclay Murray and Spens (MMS), McGrigors and Shepherd & Wedderburn (S&W) all having expanded to include English law advice in London and elsewhere in the UK.
But they note that Brodies and other legal practices have decided to focus on business north of the border.
The report, now in its 24th year, says Granite City-based Paull & Williamsons (P&W) dominates the transactional market in Aberdeen, while the company is also ranked among the top Scottish firms for health and safety work.
CMS Cameron McKenna and McGrigors are ranked first for their oil and gas work in the north-east, followed by P&W, Stronachs, Bond Pearce, MMS and S&W.
Firms leading the way in other energy practice include D&W, McGrigors and S&W, according to the report.
Meanwhile, for corporate and commercial work outside Edinburgh and Glasgow, the report says P&W is followed by Ledingham Chalmers, McGrigors and Stronachs.
The rankings for top commercial-property firms outside Scotland’s two biggest cities are also dominated by Aberdeen practices, led by McGrigors’ Granite City operation and P&W.
In criminal law, Aberdeen-based George Mathers and Co is “recommended”.