Knowledge Article

  • 23rd August 2017 Vive la (Counterpart) Révolution

    It is just over two years since the Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015 brought counterpart execution to Scots law. With technology having made it possible in recent years for parties in different geographical locations to sign documents and complete transactions, the 2015 Act was a welcome and overdue addition to the Scottish rules on the execution of Scots law documents. Read more. 

  • 21st August 2017 Island-proofing: Meeting the needs of Island communities

    Scotland’s islands have an international reputation for their beautiful scenery and idyllic landscapes. However, island communities often face challenges, such as geographic remoteness, transport and connectivity issues, not experienced to the same degree elsewhere in Scotland. The Scottish Government, working in partnership with the island communities, has introduced a number of policy initiatives to try and tackle some of these issues to better meet the needs of islands communities now and in the years to come.

  • 17th August 2017 Endeavours clauses in commercial contracts

    Parties negotiating a contract will commonly seek to ‘water down’ absolute obligations so they are required only to ‘try’ to fulfil an obligation. A spectrum of endeavours clauses are widely used for this purpose. Despite such wide use, there is often uncertainty as to the level of effort required to meet the obligation in any given case. We have identified some commonly used endeavours clauses below and summarised some key characteristics which parties seeking to perform or enforce such obligations should consider.

  • 16th August 2017 Five reasons why Funded Disputes could be right for you

    Funded disputes are becoming increasingly popular, but many potential claimants aren’t sure whether it’s the right route for them. There are many benefits to pursuing litigation through the funded dispute route. Here are just a few

  • 14th August 2017 HM Treasury publishes review on financing growth for innovative firms

    HM Treasury has now published its review on patient capital to help finance growth for innovative firms.

  • 9th August 2017 Your quick guide to funded disputes

    What are funded disputes? We tell you everything you need to know in our quick guide. 

  • 9th August 2017 The Dana Gas challenge: What lies ahead for the sukuk market?

    Dana Gas has recently hit the headlines in the Islamic finance markets with its statement that it believes its own sukuk to not be Shariah-compliant, with proceedings underway in the High Court in London.  In this article, we consider the relevance of this challenge to the sukuk market as a whole and in particular the UK.

  • 7th August 2017 Supreme Court asks ECJ if past pension rights are affected by changes in law

    The Supreme Court has asked the European Union Court of Justice to confirm if the Equal Pay for Part-Time Workers Directive applies retrospectively; in other words, whether pension rights are ‘fixed’ at the time they are accrued, or if they are subject to any change in law by the time they come to be paid.

  • 4th August 2017 Excessive pricing in pharmaceuticals: When does my price increase become an antitrust problem?

    Competition authorities do not view themselves as price regulators. But when does a price increase become an antitrust problem? We explore. 

  • 4th August 2017 Consultation on finance law reform in Scotland

    Exploring the Scottish Law Commission’s latest consultation on reform of the law relating to ‘Moveable Transactions’.

Client testimonials

  • They are responsive, have good working knowledge of the law and a particularly strong understanding of the personalities of judges, so their advice is strategic.

    Gordon Downie is praised by clients as "very able, practical and good at picking the right battles" and Natasha Durkin is known in the market for giving advice of "a high quality” and being “very insightful on issues.

    Chambers, Administrative and Public Law

  • The communication is so good that I tend to think of the lawyers as internal legal counsel rather than an external resource

    Chambers 2016, EU and Competition

  • Stephen Trombala is exceptional - he understands the business mindset.

    His international client base includes prominent names in the technology and oil and gas sectors.

    Chambers 2016, Private Equity

  • Expertise and professionalism are a given, of course. What sets this team apart, however, is the utterly pragmatic, highly responsive and entirely commercial way in which they supported a deal not short of its own peculiar challenges.

    Greg Bargeton, Global Head of Legal, William Grant and Sons Limited

  • Their specific project documentation related experience is very strong and we consistently get a good level of service from them in a timely fashion. They are exceptional.

    Chambers 2016, Infrastructure

  • They have very good response times. They understand our business and are good at tailoring their advice to what the business needs.

    Chambers 2016, Property and Infrastructure Disputes

  • They were very clear and commercial, but also practical in terms of the range of solutions they offered to us.

    Chambers 2016, Property

  • The firm have got strength and depth in their team. There is a large team to draw on with plenty of experienced people.

    Chambers 2016, Planning

  • Highly competent, timely advice delivered in a user-friendly way.

    Chambers 2016, Pensions

  • I find the work of Shepherd and Wedderburn to be first rate.

    Chambers 2016, Media and Technology

  • The service has always been very personal and businesslike, and they offer well-balanced advice.

    Chambers 2016, Media and Technology

  • They have the ability to give concise advice and possible consequences of action.

    Chambers 2016, Property

  • Their fees are competitive, response times are good and their advice is balanced and reliable.

    Chamber 2016, Corporate Tax

  • The firm is outstanding, easy to deal with and houses a lot of knowledge. The team delivers great outcomes. I highly recommend the firm – I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

    Chambers, Private Client

  • They were very responsive and helpful. They gave us sensible advice and the transaction was concluded very smoothly.

    Chambers 2016, Partnerships

  • They were responsive in terms of timescale and processes. They have a good working knowledge of the law.

    Chambers 2016, Litigation

  • They are excellent value for money, flexible to meet our needs, and experts in share plans and executive remuneration.

    Chambers 2016, Share Schemes

  • They are excellent value for money, flexible to meet our needs, and experts in share plans and executive remuneration.

    Chambers 2016, Employee Share Incentives

  • They excel at providing advice that is commercially astute whilst also being reflective of risk.

    Chambers 2016, CF Scotland

  • They can handle complex transactions. 

    Chambers 2016, Infrastructure

  • Throughout the transaction they were very much in the trenches alongside the deal team.

    Chambers 2016, Finance and Restructuring

  • The team is thorough and attentive. The lawyers do a good job – they understand the nuances of Scottish law, particularly in the rural sector.

    Chambers 2016, Rural Business and Renewables

  • They are responsive, have good working knowledge of the law and a particularly strong understanding of the personalities of judges, so their advice is strategic.

    Chambers 2016, Regulations and Markets

  • What I like about them is their very strong commercial focus.

    Chambers 2016, Property

  • The communication is so good that I tend to think of the lawyers as internal legal counsel rather than an external resource.

    Chambers 2016, Regulations and Markets

  • Through their experience they bring a level of commerciality - very good at cutting through to the real issues.

    Chambers 2016, Regulations and Markets

  • They have an excellent understanding of the public sector. 

    Chambers 2016, Infrastructure

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    Chambers and Partners, Infrastructure

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is 'responsible' and ‘always delivers'. The firm is noted for its 'top-quality regulatory advice'.

    Legal 500 2014, Energy and Natural Resources

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is known for being 'fast, responsive and proactive, with no waffle', and for possessing 'great business acumen as well as empathy with people'.

    Legal 500 2014, Pensions

  • The 'commercial' team at Shepherd and Wedderburn is noted for its 'strong technical ability' and ‘strength in depth'.

    Legal 500 2014, Insolvency and corporate recovery

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn provides 'fantastic support and input' and 'exceptional advice on regulatory matters'.

    Legal 500 2014, EU and Competition

  • They're excellent – they were very responsive, with a very timely turnaround.

    Chambers and Partners, Corporate

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is praised for its 'in-depth industry knowledge' and 'excellent service'.

    Legal 500 2014, Corporate & Commercial

  • I'd unhesitatingly recommend the team.

    Chambers, Corporate Tax

  • There's a team approach; they understand what needs to be done to suit the client's situation.

    Chambers, Restructuring and Insolvency

  • I don't think I've ever met a team with such a combination of dynamism, intellect and helpfulness.

    Chambers, Real Estate

  • They're absolutely excellent. They're approachable, good at translating legal requirements into everyday language, clear on what the implications might be operationally and good at suggesting potential actions.

    Chambers, PPP

  • They distinguish themselves with their attention to you as an individual with individual needs. They go over and above.

    Chambers, Private Client

  • They are very good at explaining things to lay trustees and they turn things around very quickly.

    Chambers, Pensions

  • They provide great quality of service because they concentrate on doing a good job.

    Chambers, Local Government

  • The team was excellent. The lawyers picked up an esoteric subject very, very quickly.

    Chambers, Litigation

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn were first class. They are very responsive and focused, and I found them to be very satisfactory indeed.

    Chambers, Information Technology

  • Excellent knowledge of the UK energy industry and good at bringing relevant issues to our attention.

    Chambers, Renewables

  • They were very familiar with the key issues for us and they were very quick to respond, very proactive; it is easy to get them on the phone or on e-mail and they were also good at offering solutions to problems.

    Chambers, Energy & Natural Resources

  • Very responsive and quick, providing high quality documents.

    Chambers, Employment

  • They have been our number-one choice for the past eight years. They have good resources in terms of strength and depth; and we've never felt that they have other clients that come before us – they are always available when we need it.

    Chambers, Employee Share Incentives

  • They're great. They're one of the few firms that knows the capital markets very well.

    Chambers, Capital Markets

  • We take their technical expertise at Shepherd and Wedderburn for granted. They all have very good knowledge of their own markets.

    Chambers, Construction

  • There is always a way to get things done with these guys. The quality of our relationship allows for no taboo areas of discussion. We also appreciate the fact that they go above and beyond to look after their clients by offering training to our younger members of staff.

    Chambers, Banking

  • The team displays professionalism at all times when dealing with its clients and always provides them with the necessary reassurance.

    Chambers, Charities

  • Our longstanding legal advisers Shepherd and Wedderburn offered invaluable assistance and reassurance to the family shareholders in our sale and partial reinvestment when we made the transition to being an employe-owned company.

    Richard Tough, Director
    Scott & Fyfe Limited

  • The kind of support they provide is absolutely fantastic. They’re so proactive and the firm’s responsiveness is second to none.

    Chambers 2014, Employee Share Incentives

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is a 'good option for big-ticket cases'.

    Legal 500 2013, Commercial Litigation

  • They're excellent – without fault.

    Chambers, Planning

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn's lawyers are 'on a par with any Magic Circle firm'.

    Legal 500 2013, Oil and Gas

  • The team is responsive and provide reliable advice whilst remaining alive to the commercial realities of the transaction in question.

    Chambers 2014, Construction

  • We like to act fast and it can keep up with us.

    Chambers 2014, M&A

  • I've been really impressed with them ever since I first met them. They are very clear, thorough and concise, and set out clear responses. I've got nothing but praise.

    Chambers, Corporate/M&A

  • We have been immensely impressed with Shepherd and Wedderburn's strict legal advice, blended with a strong understanding of commercial issues. The 'entrepreneurial spirit' is similar to the Petmin culture.

    Jan du Preez, Chief Executive
    Petmin Limited

  • As a GC I want external counsel with deep industry knowledge, who grasp the commercial imperative and who provide excellent service delivery – that’s what I get from Shepherd and Wedderburn.

    Seven Energy

  • We have used Shepherd and Wedderburn for a number of years for large projects, corporate and property work. They provide focused and commercially oriented advice on a par with the best City of London firms. Value for money is exceptional and client care paramount. I would not hesitate in recommending them.

    Simon Pugsley, Head of Legal
    Viridor

  • The Commission has used Shepherd and Wedderburn for some ten years and holds the firm in the highest regard. We have had - and continue to have - fantastic support and input on the regulatory side in particular. The firm's regulatory advice is top quality and exceptional and would not likely be bettered by any other firm in the UK.

    Alan Sutherland, Chief Executive
    Water Industry Commission for Scotland

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn is our "go-to" law firm. The firm has an excellent reputation and the lawyers I deal with are both high quality and easy to get on with. Connectivity with people is a vital ingredient for us in choosing lawyers to work with and the firm very much delivers on that.

    Mark Cubitt, Finance Director
    Wolfson Microelectronics plc

  • The lawyers we instruct at Shepherd and Wedderburn provide an exemplary service and are quick to offer practical solutions when problems arise. They are a pleasure to work with.

    Gordon Brough, Global Head of Legal
    Aberdeen Asset Management PLC

  • In working with Shepherd and Wedderburn, I have been impressed by their ability to support the business – a strong focus on delivery: you get what you need, when you need it.

    James MacKenzie, General Counsel
    AEGON UK

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn has a strong brand and quality people who help me to get to the right answer in a straightforward and commercial way. The advice they provide at all levels of the firm and across a wide range of subject areas is pragmatic and directed towards finding the best solution for us as a Company.

    Donald McPherson, Company Secretary
    Alliance Trust plc

  • For the past five years Shepherd and Wedderburn have been our first port of call for all our legal services. We have found the quality of advice and the level of service across the firm to be outstanding. We especially value and derive a real benefit from their understanding and interest in the oil and gas sector and I genuinely believe their proactive approach really makes a difference to our business.

    Peter Wilson, Director and General Counsel
    Bowleven plc

  • The property lawyers I use at Shepherd and Wedderburn inspire real confidence. I know they are protecting my interests and I can rely on them to reach a commercial conclusion.

    Ben Grose, Retail Asset Manager
    British Land plc

  • They are not just corporate legal advisers: they have a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry and what we in Cairn are looking to achieve strategically. They put forward achievable, common sense solutions which always meet our aims.

    Jann Brown, Managing Director and CFO
    Cairn Energy plc

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn are a joy to work with, the advice is always clear and concise and the team are accessible and responsive to enquiries.

    Marrack Tonkin, Company Secretary
    F&C Asset Management plc

  • There are some brilliant, quality people at Shepherd and Wedderburn. The firm is our first port of call for corporate transactions in the UK and we have an excellent relationship.

    Graeme Colquhoun, Head of UK Legal
    Heineken UK

  • As our sole legal advisers, we see the Shepherd and Wedderburn lawyers very much as part of our own team. They understand what we do and that is invaluable in enabling us to move quickly in developing and growing our business.

    Marcus Kneen, Chief Financial Officer
    IndigoVision Group plc

  • The lawyers are indefatigable, intuitive and invaluable.

    Matthew Oakeshott
    OLIM

  • In a tough business environment they have proved that they have the skills and the people to get things done in a pragmatic and commercial manner to suit the needs of their client, always with a smile on their faces they are a pleasure to deal with and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

    Andrew McLean
    ProStrakan Group plc

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