OUR TEAM
Laura is a commercial litigator within our dispute resolution practice in Edinburgh – one of the most prominent litigation teams in Scotland – acting in some of the highest value and complex cases in the Court of Session.
Laura specialises in construction, engineering and intellectual property (in construction) disputes. She acts in a number of cases in the Ordinary, Commercial and Intellectual Property Courts (in particular, patent disputes); in Petitions (to the Nobile Officium; for Suspension and Interdict; and for Judicial Review); and in Appeals before the Inner House. Laura also represents clients in adjudications, arbitrations, mediations and has acted for clients in cases before the UK IPO and the UK Supreme Court.
Laura is a key contact in the firm when it comes to contentious construction disputes, acting for a wide range of clients from private individuals to employers in major construction projects. In addition to the usual contractual disputes regarding payment, delay and defects, Laura pursues and defends professional negligence claims against construction professionals. Laura leads the Firm’s Construction & Engineering Group, heads up “HM Construction Club”, co-leads our “Construction & Engineering Disputes” and “Construction & Engineering Contract Administration” teams and is a member of the Society of Construction Law.
Intellectual property is a valuable asset that is often overlooked in the construction industry. Laura’s experience in both sectors helps to bridge the gap for clients and ensure that their IP rights are being protected. Of particular note, Laura recently secured a successful result for an award-winning UK market leader in the provision of monitoring devices for use in the construction industry, which was the first patent litigation to be taken to Proof in Scotland for 8 years. As well as acting for clients in trade mark and patent disputes, Laura often addresses complex matters concerning unregistered rights and passing off. In addition to her work for key clients, Laura is the Firm’s “brand guardian”, often enforcing its IP rights against infringing third parties.
Advising clients at both pre-litigated and litigated stages means that Laura is acutely aware of the value and importance of continually assessing prospects of success, best method of recovery and potential scope for settlement – all whilst ensuring compliance with the statutory and regulatory environment within which the client operates.
Laura is described as “a dynamic force who is great with clients, experienced in running in big cases, and always proactive in managing clients’ expectations and understanding of the issues”. Laura is recognised in Legal 500 as a “Recommended Lawyer” in Construction and IT & Telecoms where she is described as a “talented lawyer” who’s “technical ability is matched by her pragmatism.” In the early stages of her career, Laura was shortlisted by the Law Awards of Scotland in their category of “Up and Coming Lawyer of the Year” at the end of 2014.”
"Euan Pirie has strong attention to detail, allowing him to secure the best possible outcome for the organisation. Laura McCorquodale dealt with an urgent legal issue timeously. Richard Gallen is knowledgeable."
"Michael Conroy heads up the construction offering and is ably assisted by fellow partner Laura McCorquodale and Miranda Cannibal. The team is collectively and individually strong and able to deal with quick adjudications to longer court matters."
‘Laura McCorquodale is definitely one to watch as she commands great authority when she is involved in a case. She has a good rapport with clients."
"Laura McCorquodale is the team's figurehead and has a wealth of experience in contentious construction disputes. She is a very capable lawyer - strong on the detail, focused on the commercial realities, and excellent with the clients."
"Laura McCorquodale is a standout in this area. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in construction disputes. She has been proactive in developing the team into the force it is."
"Laura McCorquodale’s strength lies in her communication skills – she gives incredibly user friendly and clear advice."
"The team is full of standout individuals. Laura McCorquodale is absolutely brilliant. She is great at dealing with clients, understanding their issues and concerns, and provides clear and intelligible advice. She is great to work with."
"Sandy Hastie, John McHugh, and Laura McCorquodale are all very impressive."
"Laura McCorquodale has considerable experience of adjudication and has been instrumental in the development of the firm’s presence in the market."
"Laura McCorquodale is a standout. She is great to work with – very friendly, approachable and great at communication. She is also highly intelligent and experienced in this field of law."
INSIGHTS
Insights
The Building Safety Act 2022 - what does it mean for Scotland?
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Final statements revisited - when is a valid Final Account Statement not conclusive evidence of the sum due?
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The Building Safety Act - what's coming into force in 2023?
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A collateral warranty can be a “construction contract” for the purposes of adjudication
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New-build fire safety measures now in force
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The potential benefits of litigating IP disputes in Scotland
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Time Limits for Latent Defects Claims
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