Business Details
Trusted Legal Partners for Scottish Businesses
At Davidson Chalmers Stewart, we pride ourselves on being more than just a law firmwe are strategic partners for businesses seeking tailored legal solutions. With a heritage rooted in Scottish legal expertise, our team combines deep sector knowledge with a commercial mindset to address the unique challenges faced by our clients. Our practice areas span corporate law, real estate, construction, dispute resolution, data protection, and regulatory compliance, serving clients from startups to multinational corporations. We prioritise understanding our clients' operational and strategic goals, ensuring our advice aligns with their business objectives. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition by leading legal directories such as Chambers Guide and Legal500, where we are praised for our practical, client-focused approach.The recent merger with Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) has further strengthened our capabilities, allowing us to offer a broader range of services while maintaining our dedication to personalised service. Our team's extensive experience in sectors like healthcare, renewable energy, and real estate positions us as trusted advisors in complex legal matters. We invest in long-term relationships, ensuring our clients receive proactive, forward-thinking counsel that drives success in a dynamic business environment.
Services
Corporate Law
Real Estate
Construction Law
Dispute Resolution
Data Protection
Regulatory Compliance
Employment Law
Renewable Energy
Healthcare Law
Commercial Contracts
Highlights and features
- We combine legal expertise with sector-specific knowledge in healthcare, renewables, and real estate.
- Our team includes ranked professionals in Chambers Guide and Legal500.
- We prioritise commercial outcomes over technical legalities.
- We maintain long-term relationships through proactive, client-centric service.
- Our merger with WJM expands capabilities while preserving local expertise.
What people say
Excellent service
Practical advice
Commercial insight
Sector expertise
Proactive counsel
Services
Corporate Law
We advise on mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, and commercial contracts. Our team helps businesses navigate complex transactions while aligning legal strategies with commercial goals. Clients benefit from sector-specific expertise in healthcare, renewables, and technology.
Real Estate
Our real estate practice covers development, investment, and landlord-tenant matters. We represent developers, institutional investors, and occupiers in transactions and disputes. Expertise includes retail, healthcare, and student accommodation sectors across the UK.
Construction Law
We handle construction contracts, disputes, and project delivery for developers and contractors. Our advice spans procurement strategies, risk management, and resolution of complex issues through adjudication or arbitration.
Data Protection
Led by Scotland's leading GDPR specialist, we assist with compliance, breach response, and cyber security. Our services include policy development, ICO engagement, and defending data breach claims for businesses across sectors.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve commercial disputes through mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings. Our focus areas include corporate, property, and regulatory conflicts, with experience representing clients from SMEs to international entities.
People
Andrew Chalmers
Chair
Andrew Chalmers brings over 30 years of legal experience, specialising in corporate governance and commercial law. He leads strategic initiatives and maintains key client relationships across Scotland's business community.
Laura Irvine
Managing Partner
Laura Irvine is a leading data protection and cyber security expert in Scotland. She authored the Law Society of Scotland's GDPR Guide and advises businesses on compliance and breach response strategies.
Bruce Lancaster
Partner
Bruce Lancaster specialises in real estate and construction law, with extensive experience in complex development projects. He represents major property developers and institutional investors across the UK.
Craig Stirling
Partner
Craig Stirling focuses on corporate law and mergers & acquisitions. He works with businesses in healthcare and renewable energy sectors, providing strategic legal advice aligned with commercial objectives.
Vicky Ward
Senior Associate
Vicky Ward specialises in data protection and regulatory compliance. She assists clients with GDPR implementation, breach management, and defending claims related to data security incidents.
Questions
What sectors does Davidson Chalmers Stewart specialise in?
We focus on healthcare, renewable energy, real estate, construction, and corporate law, serving clients from startups to multinational corporations across Scotland and beyond.
How does the firm handle cross-border legal issues?
Through our membership in the Globalaw network, we connect clients with vetted international partners to address cross-border transactions and regulatory matters efficiently.
What makes your dispute resolution approach different?
We prioritise commercial outcomes by combining legal expertise with industry knowledge, using mediation and alternative dispute resolution to avoid prolonged litigation where possible.
How do you ensure GDPR compliance for businesses?
Our data protection team provides tailored compliance strategies, breach response plans, and ongoing support to align with evolving regulations like GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What recent developments have impacted your services?
The merger with Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has expanded our capabilities while maintaining our commitment to client-focused, commercially minded legal solutions.
