Clinical Defence
bto is ranked in band 1 in the latest editions of Chambers UK and The Legal 500.
"...the pre-eminent clincial negligence defence team in Scotland...particularly recognised for its work at fatal accident inquiries and GMC disciplinary proceedings." (Chambers UK, 2012)
"impressive tactical awareness in cases of the utmost seriousness." (Legal 500, 2011)
"ability to grasp the issues in complex cases." (Legal 500, 2011)
"Sources draw attention to the commerciality of the firm and to its strength in depth" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"Douglas Jessiman heads the team. With over 20 years experience, he is a vastly respected figure in the sector". (Chambers UK, 2011)
"The superbly effecient Laura Donald is highly regarded for "her capacity to undertake difficult work, achieve excellent results and always remain caring" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"The overall level of service is extremely high, indeed exemplary’"(Legal 500, 2010)
"Douglas Jessiman’s clinical negligence team ‘has built up extensive expertise and knowledge in this field’ " (Legal 500, 2010)
"bto has risen to the top of the rankings thanks to a shrewd recruitment policy which has allowed the firm to secure a position as the largest defendant group in the country." (Chambers UK, 2010)
Laura Donald is "a highly visible and well-respected player in the defendant market." (Chambers UK, 2010)
"the level of service has always been excellent, with properly experienced solicitors dealing with appropriate cases" (Legal 500, 2009)
"Consistently high-quality work and client-friendly approach." (Chambers UK, 2009)
Corporate
“‘a team of knowledgeable individuals’ with a broad skill base… ‘it really fights your corner, but at a far fairer price than many other Scottish firms’.” (Chambers UK 2009)
“consistently secures local deals, and is often instructed on matters with an international flavour.” (Chambers UK 2009)
Employment
Caroline Carr is known to clients as a "tenancious lawyer who fights to the end.....and is highly esteemed for her contentious work" (Chambers UK, 2011)
Caroline Carr is ‘able to convey legal complexities in layman’s terms so that her clients have a complete understanding of the matter’. (Legal 500, 2010)
"team continues to win praise from the market for its work in the sector" (Chambers UK 2010)
Praised for its “hard work, focus and intelligence” (Chambers UK, 2009)
“Sources endorsed this ‘down-to-earth and approachable’ team.” (Chambers UK, 2007)
Energy
bto joins the energy ranking this year, and is noted as providing ‘outstanding value for money’. Ralph Riddiough and James Dickson are key partners. (Legal 500, 2010)
Family
Cath Karlin is a "leading individual" (Chambers UK, 2011)
Cath Karlin "has a down-to-earth approach and is very good with clients." (Legal 500, 2010)
"Cath Karlin is at the forefront of collaborative work in Scotland." (Chambers UK, 2010)
Health & Safety
Ranked in band 1 by the latest edition of the Legal 500.
"extremely approachable and pragmatic with super connections to the stakeholders in casualty claims.” (Chambers UK, 2012)
"specialist knowledge of criminal health and safety sets (Clare Bone) apart from her peers." (Chambers UK, 2012)
"ability to understand the intracacies of a case." (The Legal 500, 2011)
"The team's incident management and due diligence work is appreciated by clients" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"Clients find Clare Bone 'a very useful ally, combining gravitas, excellent subject knowledge and clear, analytical thinking" (Chambers UK, 2011)
‘a reactive service supplied by knowledgeable individuals’ (Legal 500, 2010)
bto has a superb health and safety practice....distinguished by its ‘combination of technical mastery with commercial realism’. (Legal 500, 2010)
"The firm provides a 'reactive service supplied by knowledgeable individuals" (Legal 500, 2010)
"This firm continues to assert itself in the market, with ...an enviable profile in both the non-contentious and contentious spheres" (Chambers UK, 2010)
"The team is superb at advising you through the legal questions and pitfalls in plain English, not legalese” (Chambers UK, 2010)
Clare Bone is a former prosecutor fiscal with a wealth of experience prosecuting health and safety cases and a reputation as "a formidable litigator." (Chambers UK, 2010)
"first-rate team" (Legal 500, 2009)
“commended for the emphasis it places on providing clients with training and advice” and “very accomplished work in this area.”... bto is “definitely on its way up.” (Chambers UK 2009)
Insurance
"Highly regarded Scottish Firm has a broad insurance practice" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"Sources say that the team are highly effecient and work to a high standard" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"this firm wins particular acclaim for its expertise in personal injury, EL/PL and motor claims" (Chambers UK, 2010)
“Combines pragmatism with technical excellence.” (Chambers UK, 2010)
William Speirs is popular with clients thanks to his “engaging, wise and helpful approach.” (Chambers UK, 2010)
Clients praise bto's "really adaptable and innovative approach" (Chambers UK, 2009)
bto is placed in band 1 for Personal Injury – defender work by the The Legal 500, 2008.
bto “is known for the strong personal relationships the firm builds up with its clients...” (Chamber UK, 2009).
bto "has carved out a strong reputation in multi-jurisdictional disputes.” (Chambers UK, 2008)
Professional Negligence
bto is ranked in band 1 in the latest editions of Chambers UK and The Legal 500.
"impressive...takes a team approach to claims and really puts everything into it." (Chambers UK, 2012)
Derek Allan is a "star individual" (Chambers UK, 2012)
Alan Eadie is band 1 ranked (Chambers UK, 2012)
"strong reputation for professional neglicence work" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"Sources say that the team is highly effecient and works to a high standard" (Chambers UK, 2011)
"Both Derek Allan and Alan Eadie are highly respected" (Legal 500, 2010)
"bto has a broad and impressive professional indemnity practice" (Chambers UK, 2010)
Interviewees praise Derek Allen's "meticulous approach to his cases." (Chambers UK, 2010)
"extensive client roster" (Chambers UK, 2010)
Derek Allan heads Brechin Tindal Oatts’ "impressive practice" (Legal 500, 2009)
‘the level of service has always been excellent, with properly experienced solicitors dealing with appropriate cases" (Legal 500, 2009)
"bto has risen to the top of the rankings thanks to a shrewd recruitment policy which has allowed the firm to secure a position as the largest defendant group in the country." (Chambers UK, 2009)
"Expert in both clinical negligence and PI…...” (Chambers UK, 2007)
Property/Real Estate
'culture in the firm is second to none and all the solicitors have the highest regard for client service’ (Legal 500, 2010)
bto was placed in band 1 in Scotland for Commercial Property: Leisure & Hospitality by The Legal 500.
"diligent, courteous and extremely knowledgeable" (Chambers UK, 2009)
Recoveries
"This firm has impressed clients with its expertise and direct approach".(Chambers UK, 2011)
Grant Hunter heads the recoveries department, which now boasts 18 fee-earners. (Legal 500, 2010)
"bto climbs a tier this year" (Legal 500, 2010)
"This well-regarded, recovery group continues to expand and take on new clients." (Chambers UK, 2010)
Dorothy Hatfield and Grant Hunter are "recommended" (Legal 500, 2009)
"Proactive and experienced, with excellent customer service.” (Chambers UK, 2009)
Social Housing
"The social housing team is highly respected in the sector and is particulary highly regarded for its procurement advice" (Chambers UK, 2011)
Karen Brodie is praised for her conveyancing work and clients say she is "approachable and responsive" (Chambers UK,2011)
"Patrice Fabien has a wealth of experience in this sector". (Chambers UK, 2011)
"The firm acts for some of the largest organisations active in the sector" (Legal 500, 2010)
"bto climbs a tier this year"(Legal 500, 2010)
"This well-regarded, recovery group continues to expand and take on new clients." (Chambers UK, 2010)
"The firm's strong client roster includes some of the largest social housing organisations in the country" (Chambers UK, 2010)
Sources describe Partice Fabien as "absolutely a leading figure." (Chambers UK, 2010)
Karen Brodie is "praised for her technical ability" (Chambers UK, 2010)
"'knowledgeable and pragmatic' Karen Brodie and the ‘perceptive and user-friendly‘ Patrice Fabien are recommended." (Legal 500, 2009)
bto "is particularly strong in the social housing sector" (Legal 500, 2009)
bto is placed in band 1 for Social Housing in the latest edition of The Legal 500.
bto impresses clients with “its high level of skill, attention and fast turnaround of work.” (Chambers UK 2009)
Technology & IP
Paul Motion "has a calm manner, and is diligent and knowledgeable." (Chambers UK,2010)
"Paul Motion ‘understands the legal process and how to influence it’ " (Legal 500, 2010)
“Highly rated Paul Motion…is a recommended solicitor-advocate, with particular expertise in technology and procurement.” (The Legal 500, 2008)