Public Sector
With over two decades of experience advising UK Government departments and a longstanding relationship with the Scottish Government Legal Directorate since 2004, MFMac is proud to be a trusted legal adviser to Public Sector bodies across Scotland. As one of the largest and most agile teams operating in this space, we bring deep sector knowledge, strong institutional relationships and a practical, commercially minded approach to every engagement. Our advice is always tailored, cost-aware and grounded in what matters most to government and the communities it serves.
Who We Work With
Scotland’s standout Public Sector legal team
With over 20 years’ experience advising UK Government departments, including the Ministry of Defence and supporting the Scottish Government Legal Directorate since 2004, MFMac is deeply embedded in the Public Sector landscape. We understand the pressures, priorities and pace of public service and we deliver expert, pragmatic advice that’s always aligned with your mission and mindful of your budget.
We’re proud to partner with government, local authorities and public bodies across Scotland, offering trusted legal support across infrastructure, procurement, governance, litigation, real estate, funding, IP, data protection, freedom of information, contracts and employment. Our team is one of the largest and most versatile in the sector—ready to meet complexity with clarity, and challenge with confidence.
Public bodies we work with
MFMac delivers legal expertise to the Public Sector, advising on procurement, planning, real estate and litigation with an integrated, solutions-focused approach.
Public Sector legal solutions
Our team delivers deep, end-to-end expertise across the full breadth of legal services – always with an integrated, solutions-driven approach. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with public bodies to navigate complexity, manage risk and deliver outcomes that matter.
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Inquiry experience Expert support for high-stakes inquiries
Public Inquiries and other investigations are challenging and time-consuming. You need lawyers with experience and knowledge of how the inquiry operates, able to understand the technical evidence, skilled at project management and alert to reputational issues. The expert team at MFMac, ranked for their public inquiries expertise in the independent legal directories, offers this.
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Subsidy control Subsidy control made simple
We guide public bodies and bidders through the complexities of subsidy control, offering clear legal advice to ensure compliance, reduce risk and support confident decision-making.
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Public Sector Insights
Charities & Third Sector
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The Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025
Following a somewhat turbulent time for health and social care reform, the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 22 July 2025. This follows the scaling back of the plan to create a new National Care Service in Scotland under the National Care Service Bill.
Whilst the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 (the Act) covers a number of care-related areas, this short briefing focuses on what the Act will mean for the commissioning and procurement of health and social care services in Scotland, once the relevant provisions come into force.
Competition Appeals Tribunal issues second judgment on application of the Subsidy Control Act 2022
CAT ruling in Weis v GMCA offers key guidance on applying the Commercial Market Operator principle under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, with important implications for public sector lending.
A brief guide on community asset transfers
Community Asset Transfer (“CAT”) is a statutory right under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. It enables community organisations to request the ownership, lease, or management of publicly owned land or buildings, with the intention of delivering long-term benefits for the local community. This mechanism is especially relevant for charities seeking to expand, provide new services, or secure premises. Importantly, the request must be granted by the relevant authority unless there are reasonable grounds for refusal.
Wasted Potential? What AI Could Do for Public Sector Waste
From tracking down fly-tippers to clearing overflowing bins, waste management is one of the most visible, and often scrutinised, functions of our public services. It’s also a frequent ‘headache headline’ for councils across the UK. As local authorities in Scotland grapple with budget constraints and rising demand, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way waste services are delivered. The technology holds real promise, but its implementation in the public sector is far from straightforward.
Our Public Sector experts
Scotland’s go-to Public Sector team – trusted for insight, strategy and impact where it matters most.
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Duncan Osler
PartnerDuncan advises public bodies on procurement, compliance, governance, subsidy control, delivery models, outsourcing and best value obligations with clarity.
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Amy Entwistle
PartnerAmy leads MFMac’s team advising UK and Scottish Government bodies on non-contentious property matters across departments, agencies and authorities.
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Rory Alexander
Director of Planning LawRory specialises in planning law across both public and private sectors, with a strong track record in housing and regeneration.
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Suzanne Hardie
PartnerSuzanne advises on public/private projects, joint ventures, RSLs and partnerships – structuring complex developments with a focus on collaboration and compliance.
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Douglas Milne
PartnerDouglas advises public and commercial clients on complex planning and Proceeds of Crime matters, helping navigate regulatory risk and enforcement.
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Jenny Dickson
PartnerJenny specialises in personal injury, health and safety and inquiries – defending liability and motor claims for a range of public bodies.
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Robin Fallas
PartnerRobin advises on legislation, procurement, subsidy control, governance, contracts and disputes – guiding clients through complex public sector frameworks with confidence.
Our accreditations
MFMac is proud to maintain ISO accreditations that reflect our commitment to quality, information security and continual improvement in all aspects of our legal services.
