Singled out by Legal 500 for his “fantastic knowledge base” and “no nonsense and commercial” approach. Steven has over 24 years’ experience of advising clients across the private, public and quasi-public sectors in a wide range of commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions and disposals, investment, real estate finance, leasing, development and asset management.

An excellent project manager, Steven has specialist expertise in dealing with complex, large-scale and high-value real estate transactions, often involving large portfolios and with a particular emphasis on the office, industrial, retail & leisure, healthcare and student accommodation sectors.

He regularly acts alongside City and international law firms and for financial institutions in the Scottish aspects of high profile cross-border and international deals, and for public sector clients in connection with major projects involving the reorganisation and restructuring of public sector real estate portfolios.

‘Steven McKinlay offers clear considered leadership to challenging real estate issues and provides solutions that are focused on the client’s strategic objectives.’

Legal 500 UK

‘Steven McKinlay is attentive to the matters and intervenes as necessary in support of his associates. He takes a sensible commercial view which is what is needed when real estate is only part of a larger deal to be done.’

Legal 500 UK

Related Insights

Error.

No results.

Wildfires And The Right Of Responsible Access Understanding Scotland's Laws On Fires And Barbeques

Wildfires and the right of responsible access: Understanding Scotland's laws on fires and barbeques

31/07/2026

Following Scotland's recent wildfires, we examine the legal rules on fires and barbecues, including access rights, byelaws, restrictions and the responsibilities of outdoor users.

Read more
Planning For Build To Rent

Planning for build-to-rent: a tale of two cities

15/07/2026

Here we discuss the evolution of build to rent planning policy in Scotland, examining the differing approaches taken by Edinburgh and Glasgow and what comes next for the sector.

Read more
The Walls Remember A Lesson In Building Conversion Risk

The walls remember: a lesson in building conversion risk

08/07/2026

In this article, we discuss how structural issues at a major New York conversion project highlight the hidden risks of repurposing ageing buildings and the lessons for the UK property market.

Read more

Want to hear more from us?

Subscribe here Subscribe here