26 September 2013
In the most recent edition of The Legal 500 Directory, bto has maintained its tier 1 rankings for the following six practice areas: commercial property (leisure & hospitality), health & safety, medical negligence (defender), personal injury (defender), professional negligence and social housing.
Within these practice areas, bto’s clinical defence team is praised for providing “timely and accurate” assistance, the personal injury team is recommended for its “excellent legal knowledge” and “prompt, efficient and courteous service” and the social housing team is described as “pre-eminent” in its field.
Partner Grant Hunter’s debt recovery team has retained its tier 2 position and four of bto's teams have successfully climbed to tier 3 this year:
The commercial litigation team has managed to climb a tier each of the past three years. It is recommended for its “excellent blend of experience, technical nous and commercial sense” and Paul Motion receives a personal recommendation.
Having successfully achieved a new ranking in 2012, the family law team has moved up a tier. Lesley Gordon, Partner and joint head of the team, is given a personal mention.
Having held a band 4 position for a number of years, the licensing team has moved up to tier 3 and Partner Nicolas McBride is praised for providing “quick, sound advice”.
Lastly, bto's media and entertainment team has also secured a new tier 3 ranking.
Teams which have retained their tier 3 position include: commercial property (Edinburgh & Glasgow) which “consistently impresses”, commercial property (retail occupiers) and the employment team, described by clients as “highly experienced” and providing “sound advice”. The heads of the employment team are also given positive mentions with Caroline Carr praised for being “knowledgeable” and David Hoey being viewed as “an expert in the field".
The charities team has achieved the most impressive progress this year, moving up two rankings to tier 4 and being recommended for its “excellent knowledge of the sector, which is conveyed in a straightforward manner”.
The construction, education, energy, insolvency and corporate recovery, property litigation, IP and IT teams have all managed to preserve their tier 4 status and the renewable energy team received the following impressive testimonials: “professional and confidence inspiring” and “great value for money”.
Finally, Health & Safety Partner Clare Bone and Professional Negligence Partner Derek Allan are both listed in the “leading Lawyers” list - The Legal 500 UK 2013’s guide to outstanding lawyers in Scotland.