Semple Fraser has achieved top rankings from both Chambers and The Legal 500 following the directory results just announced.  The directories, which provide an independent and objective review of the UK’s legal profession, include notable praise from clients and peers.

 

Once again Semple Fraser’s Commercial Property team were top ranked in The Legal 500.  Praised as housing “some seriously good players in the Scottish real estate market”, the group is also described by clients as “excellent” and “always having the sufficient resource”.  Gus MacRae is described as ”commercially driven”, Simon Etchells is said to have “a phenomenal command of English law", and Group Head Elspeth Carson, the “prodigious” Colin Keenan and the “superior” Roger Clarke also received strong feedback.

 

The firm’s renowned Environment team ranked in the top tier in both directories for the fifth year in succession, and was noted as being the “leading environmental law team in Scotland”. The team, also placed in the overall UK listings, is renowned for its expertise in EU and UK waste law and is acknowledged to be “unrivalled in its activity and depth”.  It is described as “very good, proactive and hands-on” and sources say Group Head Vincent Brown is a “talented expert with a well-established practice and impressive EU credentials”. 

 

The Planning group is noted as continuing to work on “some of the most high-profile projects in the country”.  The group moved up the rankings this year with clients commenting that June Gilles and Ken Carruthers make a “formidable team” which provides an “excellent level of service” and has a “comprehensive understanding” of the area. 

 

Market sources noted that Semple Fraser’s Corporate Recovery & Insolvency team has expanded to form a team regarded as having “excellent people, strength in depth and the ability to deliver”.  Group Head Gordon Hollerin is singled out as being “extremely experienced and respected in the Scottish restructuring marketplace” and clients appreciate his “pragmatic, problem-solving approach”.

 

The Litigation team, which also sits high up in the directory rankings, is described as “diligent, pragmatic, commercially minded, quick-acting and communicative” and Partner Alison Gow is characterised by clients as being “tenacious and thorough”.

 

The Construction team, which is praised for its “rapid response times and expertise”, also climbed the Legal 500 rankings this year.  Head of the Group Stuart Macfarlane, who "continues to draw plaudits from the market" was praised as a notable practitioner and was described as “approachable, knowledgeable and pragmatic”.

 

Clients also commended the firm’s Corporate & Commercial section, with Department Head Bill Fowler being singled out by clients as being “approachable, balanced and plain-speaking”.  According to the directories, the team “continues to win client praise for the wealth of knowledge and experience of its friendly, pragmatic and efficient corporate practitioners”.

 

The Banking and Finance Group also ranked well.  Head of the Group Alex Innes was noted as being “concise and clear” and “well liked by clients”.  Sources also commented that “we cannot fault the service here – the team takes the time to understand what we are looking for and explains things in clear, concise terms”.

 

The Employment Group is ranked favourably by the directories, and Group Head Alison Gow draws positive feedback for “her excellent level of service”.

 

The firm’s Intellectual Property team advise on the full range of IP matters and has been noted as "a commercial, proactive and hands-on group that gets things done”. The Group is led by accredited specialist Scott Kerr who is lauded by clients as “commercial and enthusiastic”.

 

In addition, Chambers legal directory have singled out 12 of Semple Fraser’s Partners as Leaders in their Fields.  These Partners are those who have been singled out as experts in their particular area of law after extensive research.