Retail: General: Scotland

THE FIRM This firm has traditionally been a heavy hitter in the retail market and its healthy practice shows absolutely no signs of abating. The team acted for 12 of the occupiers of The Elements in Livingston, including big names such as Marks & Spencer, Arcadia and Next. The lion's share of the group's work is property-related, but it is handling an increasing amount of insolvency matters and service charge disputes. The team has also enjoyed success south of the border.

Sources Say: "The gold standard to which others aspire – every time a development comes up, they're bound to be involved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain McLean heads the team.

THE FIRM The team advises an enviable list of retail clients on a range of property matters, including retail parks, high-street locations and shopping centre units. While property is the mainstay of the practice, the firm also provides retail clients with advice in other areas, such as employment, franchising and insolvency. Most notably, the group has recently been instructed by the joint administrators of Woolworths in connection with its insolvency. Other high-profile clients include Tesco, Mothercare and Arcadia, the latter of which the team advised on the disposal of its Princes Street store.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Morrison is the contact.

THE FIRM This retail practice originally blossomed out of the firm's close relationship with Boots; the team recently advised the retail giant on two lease reorganisations linked to the Livingston Centre and the St Enoch Centre. The firm is now a mainstay in the Scottish retail market and acts for a number of established retailers, including DSGi, which the team recently advised on a number of new developments. The group primarily focuses on the property needs of retailers, from high street to shopping centres to retail park units; local clients also call on the group's services in employment matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Mitchell heads the team.

THE FIRM Property work forms the foundation of the firm's retail practice and the group acts for some large household names. It handles all Scottish property matters for Waterstone's and recently advised HMV on the acquisition on nine Zavvi stores.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The team is led by Dawn Henderson.

THE FIRM The firm works for the likes of Marks & Spencer, the Co-operative Group, H&M and Martin McColl, winning most praise for its work on real estate matters. Its lawyers also advise on a range of other matters, including health and safety, licensing, IP and employment. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Newton is the main contact.

THE FIRM This firm's retail practice is identified first and foremost for its close relationship with Tesco, which provides the team with a constant stream of work, including planning, environmental, construction and property matters. The group's other clients include TK Maxx, H&M and Ann Summers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Elspeth Carson is the contact.