Professional negligence disputes rarely exist in isolation. They often arise from complex transactions, projects and professional relationships where the financial and reputational consequences can be significant.
Our professional negligence team is recognised for advising on some of Scotland's most substantial and complex professional liability disputes. We act both in pursuing and defending claims, giving us a breadth of perspective that enables us to assess disputes from every angle.
I would class the lawyers I have dealt with to be at the top of their game in their respective fields. The firm commands a reputation, such that any legal team on the other side of the table knows they are going to have to be at their very best to stand a chance.
Legal 500 UK, 2026
Why do clients choose us?
Clients trust us with their most significant claims, whether pursuing recovery for losses suffered or defending allegations of negligence. That trust is built on technical excellence, commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.
Many professional negligence practices focus primarily on insurer-led defence work. Our practice is different.
We are regularly instructed by corporate clients, professional services firms, financial institutions and insurers on high-value and strategically important disputes. Clients come to us not only for our experience in resolving professional negligence claims, but also for the wider commercial insight that comes from being part of a full-service firm.
A joined-up approach to professional liability
Professional negligence issues frequently give rise to regulatory, disciplinary and reputational considerations alongside the underlying claim.
As part of a leading full-service commercial law firm, the team can call upon specialist expertise from across the firm as needed.
Our professional negligence practice works closely with our specialist regulatory team, allowing us to advise across the full spectrum of professional liability matters. From negligence claims and court proceedings to regulatory investigations and disciplinary processes, we provide coordinated advice tailored to our clients' objectives.
Sector expertise
Our lawyers advise on professional negligence disputes across a wide range of sectors, including:
- Construction and infrastructure
- Financial services
- Banking and investment management
- Property
- Corporate finance
- Pensions
We are particularly well known for our work in the construction and financial services sectors, where claims often involve complex technical issues, substantial losses and multiple stakeholders.
Areas of expertise:
We advise on claims involving a broad range of professionals, including:
- Solicitors
- Accountants and auditors
- Tax advisers
- Surveyors
- Architects
- Engineers
- Other construction professionals
- Actuaries
- Pension scheme administrators
- Insolvency practitioners
- Financial and investment advisers
Our experience ranges from individual claims to large-scale disputes involving complex expert evidence, regulatory issues and significant financial exposure.
Resolving disputes
While we have a strong record in court proceedings, litigation is only one of the tools available to our clients.
Professional negligence disputes often involve sensitive commercial and reputational considerations. For that reason, we place significant emphasis on achieving early and effective resolution where possible.
Our team has extensive experience of mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Two of our partners are Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and all of our partners have received mediation training.
Whatever the forum, our focus remains the same: achieving the best commercial outcome for our clients.
Burness Paull has consistent ability across all of its key team leaders to turn complex legal matters into more simple, day-to-day language.
Chambers UK, 2026
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