Burness Paull announces five new partners

Burness Paull has promoted five of its lawyers to partner as the firm recognises commitment to excellent client service, continues to invest in developing talent, and readies itself for further growth.

The newly appointed partners are Jo McLean (technology and commercial), Fiona Carlin (restructuring and insolvency), Kirstin Beattie (construction and projects), Lisa Byars (employment) and Stuart Gardiner (real estate).

Jo is one of Scotland’s leading data protection lawyers who is increasingly in demand due to rapidly changing technologies, increasingly complex data ecosystems, and the escalating security risks that are facing businesses across the UK. 

Fiona advises on a broad range of corporate insolvency matters, acting for banks and insolvency practitioners, as well as corporates, directors and individuals. She has advised on both of the restructuring plans to have been sanctioned in Scotland since they were introduced in 2020 as an option for companies in financial distress. 

Kirstin acts for a wide variety of clients across the UK on contract advisory and contentious construction matters. She has considerable experience in various forms of dispute resolution, including adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

Lisa advises clients on complex and sensitive employment matters, with a particular focus on businesses operating in the energy sector. Recognised for her expertise in high-stakes employment litigation and workplace discrimination matters, she is particularly sought after for advice in the complex and evolving area of competing protected beliefs in the workplace.

Stuart has experience in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions including residential development, acquisitions and disposals, real estate finance and leasing, acting for both landlords and tenants.

The five new partners take the total number of partners at Burness Paull to 91 and are among 82 promotions effective from today (1 April) – including 12 directors, 19 senior associates, 20 associates, and 26 senior solicitors – across the firm’s practice areas and offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Peter Lawson, chair at Burness Paull, said: “Our ambition of being the leading law firm operating in and from Scotland hinges heavily on our ability to attract, develop and retain talented individuals who can deliver the high-quality advice and outcomes that our clients have come to expect from us. These promotions reflect our commitment to investing in our people at all levels and maintaining a culture of excellence in which we drive standards and support career progression in a meaningful and supportive way.

“I’d like to congratulate all those who have been promoted, especially our new partners. All five will make significant contributions to our clients and the firm.” 

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