Doing Business in Scotland

Working in partnership with you

MacRoberts is one of the ever decreasing pool of independent firms based solely in Scotland and, whilst we are based locally, we are outward-looking.

Many of our clients operate nationally and internationally and, therefore, we uphold strong links to the wider UK and international markets.

Our strength comes from our collaborative relationships and our connections and we are proud to be part of a number of international networks, allowing us to maintain our connections with global firms and clients.

Robust connections across the Scottish economy

Excellence in Scots law is a given. Over and above that, our regional focus allows us to maintain robust connections with businesses across the Scottish economy. We work with large private companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, banks and financial institutions, public sector bodies, charities, PLCs and all levels of government.

We regularly provide Scots law support to other firms, particularly those based in England and Wales, on cross-border transactions.

Exceeding your expectations

We are:

Highly responsive: There when you want us and when you need us.

Fully integrated: An extension of your team.

Results-focused: Understand the parameters of our role and key deliverables.

Clear communicators: Effective, proactive communication.

Transparent: Upfront on fees, timescales and operating procedures.

Informed: Inform on Scots law differences and offer good counsel

Reputable: Reputation is everything – both yours and ours.

A guide to doing business in Scotland

Scotland is a land of opportunity for businesses and investors across a range of diverse sectors, for start-up businesses, SMEs and multinationals. The highly skilled workforce, progressive approach to research and innovation and cultural distinctiveness that attracts visitors from all over the globe all make Scotland an obvious choice for investment.

Scotland enjoys strong and longstanding trade links with the UK, Europe and North America, and exports across a diverse range of industries.

Our guide provides a general overview of the legal aspects and considerations when doing business in Scotland.

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ADVOC

MacRoberts is a longstanding and active – and the only Scottish – member of ADVOC, an international network of independent law firms with 93 members in 72 countries worldwide. ADVOC helps clients achieve their international commercial objectives by providing personalised legal solutions.

MacRoberts hosted the ADVOC Europe AGM in Edinburgh in May 2022, during which Euan Duncan was re-elected as a Director on the ADVOC Europe Board for a second term.
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American Bar Association

The American Bar Association (ABA) is the largest voluntary professional association in the world. With more than 400,000 members, the ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.
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Euro IT Counsel

Euro IT Counsel delivers specialist IT, computer and telecommunications sector legal advice across Europe with established, experienced EU state qualified lawyers in the IT, computer and telecommunications sectors.
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International Trade Mark Association

The International Trade Mark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation.
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In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.
Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.
Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.
Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.
Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.
Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.
In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard.
MacRoberts holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, the most widely recognised quality management system standard in the world.
MacRoberts holds the ISO14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness.
MacRoberts holds the ISO27001:2013 certification for Information Security, an internationally recognised security gold standard.
Business continuity is a critical element of the Business Management System at MacRoberts and we hold full accreditation with the ISO 22301:2019.
MacRoberts is a member of IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse and inclusive.
We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.
MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.
We are supporters of the Partnership for Change, a network of organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to improve diversity on boards and in senior leadership.
We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.
MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark for 2023. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.
MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.
MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.
In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.
MacRoberts is a longstanding member of Scotland Food & Drink, the leading trade association for Scotland's food and drink industry.
MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.