Scottish Water is poised to launch a review of its external legal advisers


The public company, which was formed in 2002 following the merger of Scotland’s east, west and north water authorities, is planning to put all of the law firms it instructs through a competitive tender exercise later this year. The water company conducts a tender exercise every three years.

Scottish Water’s principal law firm is Edinburgh-based Dundas & Wilson. It also has a relationship with Herbert Smith. The latter won a place on the legal roster after participating in a beauty parade and is retained to advise the company on competition and regulatory matters.

Scottish Water also instructs a number of smaller firms, including HBM Sayers, MacLeod & MacCallum and Steel Eldridge Stewart.

See Client File, page 13