Local Government Lawyers

Leading advisers on public sector matters in Scotland

Independently described as “the top public sector firm in Scotland”, MacRoberts enjoys longstanding connections with Scottish central and local government, advising on a diverse range of projects and issues across Scotland.

We act for numerous local authorities across Scotland on complex employment law matters and pension schemes, and advise on major developments including City Deal infrastructure investment schemes.

Working in partnership with local government

We engage quarterly with procurement and commissioning personnel from across Scotland's local authorities to discuss how they can improve their engagement with third sector providers and in conducting social procurement. In addition, though this programme we have been involved in sessions with City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, Highland Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Procurement

MacRoberts’ procurement team is a market leader in Scotland and recognised throughout the UK for advising contracting authorities and bidders on all aspects of public services.
Procurement
HR & Employment Services

Working with clients across the public sector, ranging from local authorities, education institutions, transport organisations to local and national government departments, healthcare bodies and security services, we advise on all areas of employment law, including employment and worker status and contracts, equality and discrimination issues, discipline and grievance claims, whistleblowing and redundancy and/or reorganisation.
Pensions

Pensions are seen by many as the most significant employee benefit aside from salary. Our Pensions Group advises a diverse range of clients across private, public and not-for profit sectors on all aspects of pensions law.
Pensions
Major Projects & Infrastructure

MacRoberts has been at the forefront of PFI and Project Finance since its inception and is established as one of the leading firms in this field.
Major Projects & Infrastructure
Construction

One of the largest construction law groups in Scotland, our team of expert lawyers is renowned for their expertise provided to clients across the Scottish construction sector.
Construction
Commercial Dispute Resolution

Understanding your commercial aims allows us to help you achieve the result you want in the most appropriate way – whether that is in out of court, our team of skilled negotiators and litigators will fight your corner.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Housing Associations

Our team advises housing associations in Scotland, advising on a wide range of matters including large-scale, affordable and social housing schemes.
Parliamentary

In an area that requires both complex legal expertise and political sensitivity, we provide support on a wide range of parliamentary and public affairs matters.
Parliamentary
Transport

With an impressive track record spanning more than 30 years, MacRoberts advises clients across the transport sector on the full range of legal matters.
Transport

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.
In 2022, MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark. 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.