Public Bodies
At MFMac, we understand that Scotland’s public bodies need more than legal advice–they need legal partners who share their values, understand their challenges and support their mission to deliver for communities. Our Public Sector team is built around that purpose.
Supporting Scotland’s Public Sector with purpose and precision
We align with the principles that underpin public service: transparency, accountability and social responsibility. Whether advising on procurement, commissioning, infrastructure, governance or regulatory law, we bring sector-specific insight and a deep appreciation of the legal, regulatory and reputational landscape in which public bodies operate.
MFMac is proud to work with many of Scotland’s leading public organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Canals. These partnerships reflect our deep sector knowledge and our ability to support complex, high-value programmes with confidence.
Who we work with
Legal solutions for you
Our Public Sector team offers comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of advice with an integrated, solutions-focused approach. Examples of areas where our team advise public bodies include:
Public Sector Insights
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.
The Scottish Budget and public service delivery 2025
The Scottish Budget is expected to be announced at Holyrood on 4 December, when the Scottish Parliament will start to debate Scottish Government plans for tax and spending from April 2025. Looking forward to Scotland's budget means looking back to the UK Budget because Scottish decisions are hemmed in by the UK Budget.
Our Public Body experts
Our team brings together sector-leading legal and strategic expertise across central and local government, NHS boards and non-departmental public bodies, delivering tailored support in areas such as procurement, governance, employment, litigation and real estate to help public sector clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and deliver impactful services.
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Duncan Osler
PartnerDuncan is a trusted adviser to public bodies, bringing deep expertise in governance, procurement and infrastructure delivery.
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Amy Entwistle
PartnerAmy brings extensive expertise in advising public bodies on complex property matters, governance and statutory compliance.
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Suzanne Hardie
PartnerSuzanne is a trusted adviser to public bodies, with extensive experience in property transactions, asset management and statutory compliance.
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Douglas Milne
PartnerDouglas advises public bodies and brings deep expertise in dispute resolution, regulatory matters and public law.
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Jenny Dickson
PartnerJenny brings extensive expertise in advising public bodies on complex disputes, governance and regulatory compliance.
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Robin Fallas
PartnerRobin advises public bodies on complex infrastructure delivery, procurement strategy and governance across major capital projects.
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Ruth McCallister
Director, Key Clients, BD & TendersRuth leads the firm’s client care strategy – driving excellence in service delivery, relationship management and client experience across the public and private sectors.
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Sarah Gilzean
PartnerSarah is a leading employment law specialist with extensive experience advising public bodies on complex workforce issues, including governance, equality duties and sensitive employee relations.