Administrative & Public Law

Ampersand has a strong reputation in public law litigation. We are home to some of the leading practitioners at the Scottish Bar in bringing and defending challenges to the decisions of public bodies including cases raising human rights issues.

The Legal 500 and Chambers say: “Ampersand offers expertise across a diverse range of public and administrative law cases, notably in the areas of commercial, planning, EU and human rights law. Within the public sector, the stable receives instructions from local authorities as well as the Scottish and UK governments. Advocates also represent corporations, charities and individual petitioners seeking to challenge legislation and public body decision-making.”

Our members regularly appear in the leading public law cases in the UK Supreme Court and the Court of Session.

Members are also instructed to appear in specialist tribunals including the First-Tier and Upper Tribunals as well as public inquiries.

What the Legal Directories say about Ampersand in Administrative & Public Law

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027

Administrative and Public Law (Band 2)

Ampersand Advocates is home to highly regarded practitioners with extensive expertise in public law matters involving significant constitutional and human rights issues. The stable is recognised for its considerable strength across a broad range of specialisms, and members regularly appear before the highest courts in Scotland and throughout the UK. In recent months, members acted on behalf of For Women Scotland in proceedings before the UK Supreme Court concerning guidance on the definition of a ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010.

Rankings include – Douglas Ross KC, Ian S Forrester KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Paul Reid KC, Usman Tariq KC , Michael Way and Ayla Iridag.

See full table here.

Legal 500 UK Bar 2027

Administrative and Public Law

TIER 1

Ampersand Advocates’ members continue to be engaged in a range of high-profile judicial review and public law matters, and the stable is widely recognised for its expertise in administrative, constitutional and human rights-related disputes. Susanne Tanner KC recently represented the Scottish Ministers in judicial review proceedings concerning procedural safeguards linked to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Usman Tariq KC is well known for his experience acting for Scottish and UK government departments in significant litigation, while Rising Star Scott Clair is noted for his clear, concise advocacy and impressive courtroom presence. At the senior end of the stable, Ross Anderson KC took silk in September 2026.

An impressive roster of silks includes Douglas Ross KC, Susanne Tanner KC, Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC. Ross Anderson and Michael Way are recognized as leading juniors, while Scott Clair has been categorised as a Rising Star.

See full table here.

Stable Testimonials

“Extremely helpful. Always engaged and engaging”
“Excellent – all clerks are very good”
“The clerks at Ampersand are always eager to assist and responsive to emails”