Neil Morrison
Neil specialises in commercial dispute resolution, with particular focus in the areas of commercial contracts, construction, arbitration, fraud, company law, real estate, professional negligence, insolvency, and defamation. He also has an interest in public law and has knowledge and experience of judicial review.
He developed particular expertise in financial disputes during his time working for an award-winning boutique law firm and then a leading international law firm. He was lead solicitor in several high-profile reported Court of Session cases.
As a solicitor, Neil appeared in debates and proofs in the Sheriff Court, Employment Tribunal hearings, arbitration proceedings, and a reported Sheriff Principal appeal. In 2016, he became one of only 15 Scottish lawyers Signet Accredited in commercial litigation by the WS Society. The following year Neil was granted extended rights of audience in the Court of Session and the UK Supreme Court.
Before devilling and calling to the Bar in 2023, Neil worked in-house for a global renewable energy company negotiating and drafting complex FIDIC-based construction supply agreements for significant wind energy projects in northern and central Europe. He also provided contract management and dispute resolution support for energy projects across Europe including Ukrainian wind farms impacted by the war.
Practice Area
Panel
- Scottish Panel
Qualified Year
- 2023
Experience
- Devilling, Faculty of Advocates (2022 - 2023)
- Vestas (2017 - 2022)
- HBJ Gateley (now Addleshaw Goddard (2015 - 2017)
- MBM Commercial LLP (2012 - 2015)
- Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (2009 - 2012)
- Miller Samuel LLP (now Miller Samuel Hill Brown LLP) (2006 - 2008)
Membership
- Member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb)
- Member of the Faculty Dispute Resolution Service (FDRS)
- Member of the AM Commercial Law Practice Group
- Writer to the Signet, (WS)
- Course Organiser, Construction Law Elective, University of Edinburgh’s DPLP Course
- Tutor, Contract Law & Unjustified Enrichment, University of Edinburgh School of Law
Qualifications
- LL.B.(Hons) (2004)
- Dip L.P. (2005)
- LL.M. (Commercial Law) (2011)
Education
- University of Dundee (2000-2004)
- Glasgow Graduate School of Law (2004-2005)
- University of Edinburgh (2009-2011)
3 Contributions by Neil Morrison
PRACTICE NOTES
Expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation: pre-action requirements, privilege, joint expert meetings, preparing for proof, and concurrent evidence (hot-tubbing) in commercial and personal injury cases
This Practice Note offers clear direction on the rules and processes governing the presentation of expert evidence. For an overview of the key principles and wider issues concerning expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation, also refer to Practice Note: Expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation—general considerations.
Are there any pre-action requirements or other procedural rules regarding early disclosure of expert evidence?
Pre-action protocols oblige disputing parties to engage constructively before proceedings are formally commenced. Their purpose is to promote early contact and the informed sharing of information, such as expert reports. Non-compliance with pre-action duties can frequently affect awards of expenses for the parties. Likewise, certain procedures feature active judicial case management, extending to matters of expert evidence and its handling. For ordinary actions, in both the sheriff court and the Court of Session, there are no compulsory pre-action steps presently required. However, particular specialist procedures do call for proactive, early mutual exchange of expert reports and continuing dialogue and discussion about expert evidence. Two principal procedures imposing such requirements are briefly outlined below...
Dispute Resolution
PRACTICE NOTES
Expert witnesses in Scottish civil litigation: function, admissibility, independence and practical guidance on instructing single or joint experts
What is the function of an expert witness?
This Practice Note offers an in-depth examination of the fundamental principles and broad considerations governing the use of expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation. For practical guidance on the applicable rules and procedural steps concerning expert witnesses and their evidence, see Practice Note: Leading expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation—rules and procedure.
In Scotland, the term ‘skilled witness’ is frequently used as a synonym for ‘expert witness’. For consistency, this Practice Note adopts ‘expert witness’. Expert evidence arises where an individual applies their specialist knowledge and expertise to assist the court. An expert witness deploys that specialist learning to provide factual testimony and to express opinions on facts that are agreed or that others have presented to the court.
This stands in clear contrast to a lay witness to fact, who is restricted to recounting matters they have personally observed; any opinion they offer will ordinarily be inadmissible. See: Expert witnesses: Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia [180].
The expert’s role is to assist the court by supplying insight from a specialist discipline—such as art, science, or craft—so that an informed decision can be made; it is not to advance their client’s case...
Dispute Resolution
CHECKLISTS
Scottish civil litigation: practical checklist for instructing and managing expert witnesses—need, admissibility, conflicts, selection, availability, instructions (Ikarian Reefer, Hunter v Hanley), UK GDPR, confidentiality and hot‑tubbing
Checklist on expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation
This checklist outlines the principal factors for a solicitor contemplating engaging an expert in a civil dispute before the Scottish courts. It should be read alongside Practice Notes: Expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation-general considerations and Leading expert evidence in Scottish civil litigation-rules and procedure.
Issue Considerations
Assessing the need for an expert witness
What kind of dispute is involved (for instance, a professional negligence claim will typically require an expert report before proceedings are commenced)?
Is instructing an expert reasonable and proportionate when measured against the value of the claim?
Is there a need to instruct more than one expert?
Admissibility of the expert evidence
Is expert assistance required to enable the court to decide the issues?
Does the expert possess the appropriate knowledge and experience?
Will the expert remain impartial in their presentation and assessment of the...
Dispute Resolution
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