Private Finance Initiative
MANY people dislike the Private Finance Initiative but they don't include lawyers, who find it a tasty source of income. Dundas & Wilson, which retains a top ranking, was legal adviser on the Edinburgh congestion charge project.
Michael McAuley, says Chambers, has a "problem-solving approach". Alan Campbell is "praised for his management style by opposing parties". Amanda Methven "deserves recognition for her burgeoning practice", while Anne Gilkinson "concentrates more on taking things forward than scoring points".
At McGrigors, another top-ranker, Michael Watson's group commands, says Legal 500, "immense respect from its diverse client base". The firm acted in schools projects in North Lanarkshire and the Highlands.
Drysdale Graham is "a sensible, experienced and approachable lawyerwho gets the job done".
Shepherd+ Wedderburn advised the MoD on providing civil engineering equipment and AIB Group on financing Crosshouse Maternity Hospital. David Nash is "a sensible and approachable man", while Rhona Harper "knows her stuff".
MacRoberts advised on East Renfrewshire's schools PPP and acts forHighlands Council on its schools PFI project. Michael Murphy, Chambers asserts, is "as much of a Scottish institution as the Loch Ness monster", though sightings of him are presumably more frequent. David Henderson has a "keen focus on getting the deal done".
At Maclay Murray & Spens, Alastair McEwan's team advised Lloyds TSB on the East Lothian Schools PPP. McEwan is a "lively character with a straightforward approach", Euan Wilson is "practical, sensible and punchy" and Rod Munro is "coming up through the ranks".
Tods Murray is, says Legal 500, "guaranteed a steady stream of work from Balfour Beatty". The firm advised Transform Schools on schools projects in North Lanarkshire and Bassetlaw. Ian McPake offers "thoughtful and well-considered advice", William Simmons has a "highly accomplished legal mind".
AtPinsent Masons, Ian Laing's group advised on schools PFIs in South Lanarkshire and the Highlands. Laing is "sensible and well-respected". Christa Reekie and Chris Mackay head a practice at Burness which advised East Ayrshire Council on a schools project. Reekie's "pleasant attitude makes it easy to workwith her".
Steven Brown's team at McClure Naismith advised HBG Construction on schools PPPs in Crawley, Bristol and East Renfrewshire, the Police Service of Northern Ireland on its new Belfast HQ and Cambridge University on the Addenbrookes NHS PFI.
Euan Pirie's group at Biggart Baillie, which advised Dundee University on a student accommodation project, acts on the Fife schools PFI. Keith Patterson's practice at Brodies advises Aberdeen City Council on the development of 13 schools, while HarperMacleod acts for education contractors.
At DLA Piper RudnickGray Cary, Andrew Fitchie's team is, says Chambers, "extremely strong on transport". It advised Transport Initiative Edinburgh on proposals for a tram system and clients like Barclays Bank on renewable energy projects.
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