Since calling at the Bar, Gavin has appeared before the House of Lords, Court of Session – Inner and Outer Houses, the Scottish Land Court, the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and the Lands Valuation Appeals Court. Gavin maintains a busy practice specialising in commercial law. He regularly receives instructions in matters relating to commercial contract, commercial property, construction, company law and insolvency. He also regularly provides advice in relation to public and private trusts. “Quick and direct” is “a good man to have on side in a seemingly impossible case; he will fight to the last breath for you”.  Contractual disputes are the mainstay of his practice, but he also handles shareholder cases and corporate insolvency.

Ranked Band 1 for Property, Planning and Construction in Legal 500 UK 2024 edition – “An excellent silk with notable property litigation expertise.”

Gavin has been rated in Chambers 2018 as follows:

Construction

A highly praised construction specialist.  His tenacious courtroom demeanour is admired by market sources.  “He’s very commercial, extremely well prepared, an intellectual advocate.” “He’s tenacious in pursuing his clients’ interests.”

Professional Negligence

Continues to be recognised for his handling of professinal negligence claims in the construction and property sectors. “A combative performer who marries this to commercial acumen.  His response times are reliable and the quality of work is excellent.  He is also very easy to deal with.”

Real Estate Litigation – Band 1

Has a diverse practice that includes land, professional negligence and restructuring and insolvency matters.  He is renowned for his commercial capabilities and knowledge of the law relating to construction.  “A gifted advocate.” “Absolutely excellent.  He works incredibly hard.”

Commercial Dispute Resolution

Commands enormous respect throughout the market, and is considered a go-to silk for commercial disputes.  He is hightly experienced and noted as a formidable opponent in court.  His practice has an emphasis on commercial contract disputes, but also encompasses insolvency, construction, property and professional negligence.  “He’s an excellent advocate – tenacious yet pragmatic.” “He has outstanding legal skills – he always adds value and looks for solutions.  He goes the extra mile and has the ear of the court.”

Chambers UK 2015 say that Gavin is “a fantastic advocate with a tenacious and strategic style of advocacy. He is client-focused, and goes the extra mile. He has the ear of the court and has outstanding legal skills.” – Commercial Dispute Resolution Band 1.

Gavin MacColl is highly regarded for his “broad commercial practice with deep expertise in professional negligence claims…He’s a pugnacious fighter for his clients. He’s excellent on his feet.” – quotes from Chambers UK 2015 & 2017 Professional Negligence Band 1.

Gavin is also rated in Chambers 2015 & 2017 as Band 1 for Real Estate Litigation:

“(He) is a go-to advocate for commercial property issues in Scotland. He has considerable experience in contractual disputes. He is commercial, personable and a fighter. He will work hard to secure a result.”

The Legal 500 states that Gavin is “a fighter who does not give up easily and is very good with clients.”

Gavin is rated in the Chambers 2016& 2017:

Commercial Dispute Resolution  Band 1

Director of Themis Advocates, Gavin MacColl handles a range of disputes, including property, construction and insolvency disputes. Sources highlight his ability to handle matters that are far from straightforward.
Strengths:“An exceptional advocate who turns matters around very quickly. A good sounding board when facing novel issues.” “He has outstanding legal skills and always adds value and looks for solutions. He goes the extra mile and has the ear of the court.”

Real Estate Litigation Band 1

Accomplished in a wide range of commercial property issues in addition to the closely related areas of contracts and construction.
Strengths:“He has outstanding legal skills, always adding value and looking for solutions. He goes the extra mile and has the ear of the court.” “He is a serious, heavy-duty opponent to be up against.”

Professional Negligence Band 1

Frequently acts on property and construction claims. He is also noted for his expertise in solicitors’ negligence and contractual issues.
Strengths:“He is a combative performer who marries this with commercial acumen. His response times are reliable and the quality of his work is excellent. He is also very easy to deal with.”

Construction Band 2

Has a strong reputation in the construction sector, attracting praise from solicitors and peers alike.
Strengths: “He has a very sound and robust approach to matters.” “He has a very good reputation as a courtroom advocate.”

Gavin is listed in the Legal 500 2020 and 2017 as a Leading Junior in Commercial Litigation and states “Gavin MacColl QC is very bright and first-class on his feet” and “Gavin MacColl is particularly active in contractual disputes, while another area of strength is shareholder cases.”

• M.A University of Cambridge
• LL.B University of Edinburgh