Parliamentary and public affairs
Harper Macleod’s highly experienced parliamentary and public affairs practice brings expertise in a range of matters, from drafting and promoting legislation to advising on high-profile parliamentary inquiries.
Overview
We are at the heart of Scottish parliamentary and public affairs, with an extensive list of public sector clients, including the Scottish Government and UK government departments.
We have a successful track record in the following areas:
- devolution and the constitutional settlement in the UK
- legislative drafting and advice on the legislative process
- advice on parliamentary procedures
- ethical standards and investigations
- advice to political parties, stakeholders and local government on electoral law
- representation in parliamentary inquiries, private bill proceedings, judicial review and public inquiries
- extensive experience in statutory interpretation
- all-encompassing local government practice
- strategic advice in relation to parliamentary and public affairs activities, including issues arising from Brexit, including the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023
Led by Jennifer Jack, a top-ranked individual in this practice area, our team at Harper Macleod boasts over two decades of expertise. With members who have held key positions in the Scottish Parliament and other legislative bodies, we offer invaluable insights for clients navigating parliamentary matters and legislation.
Our team prides itself on providing directly relevant legal advice and effective representation using not only our legal knowledge, but our deeper understanding of the wider political context. This enables clients to reach key strategic decisions from an informed position.
Key contacts
THE TEAM
Our team of specialists has an in-depth experience of public inquiries, and advising clients to protect their interests and reputations
Articles
Insights
Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability, and usability of Scotland’s homes
Insights
Hedging your bets – RSLs approach to managing interest rate exposure
Insights
Scotland’s housing crisis – what does it mean?
Insights
Quality Homes and further clarification of NPF4 following Miller Homes Ltd v Scottish Ministers
Insights
A brief review of the Housing (Scotland) Bill
Insights
The new Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme: Has Falkirk Council shown us the future for Scotland’s neglected and ownerless property?
Insights
Judges are not akin to employees of Scottish Government
Insights
Spring SOLAR Conference 2024 – a summary
“The firm are so friendly and approachable. Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to put the client above billing. Excellent knowledge.”
“Their excellent knowledge of the sector and innovative approaches to the service they provide, which displays willingness to adapt to a changing environment.”
“Engaged and efficient, with lots of experience.”
“They provide advice based on their extensive knowledge of other public bodies and legislation. Harper Macleod’s advice has been central to us making progress in our objectives.”
“We always receive prompt responses from the team to our queries.”
What clients say about Jennifer Jack: “She is one of the top lawyers for public law in Scotland and she gets a lot of clients across the UK.”
“The team is unusual in that it regularly acts for petitioners AND respondents whereas the tradition in Scotland has usually been to focus on one or the other.”
“Jennifer Jack and Calum Gee are a winning team. Their expertise and determination make them highly sought after by petitioners and by public bodies. They really stand out in their knowledge and experience.”
“Calum Gee – one to watch for the future. He would make an excellent partner. Calm and friendly with an enviable ability to distill complex information into easy to read summaries for busy clients. He could not have been more understanding and supportive. Five stars!”
CONTACT US
Call us for free on 0330 159 5555 or complete our online form below to submit your enquiry or arrange a call back.