LEADING independent law firm Harper Macleod has significantly strengthened its public, parliamentary and administrative law expertise with the appointment of one of Scotland’s most highly-regarded lawyers in the field.
Fiona Killen joins Harper Macleod with a focus on public and regulatory law, data protection, freedom of information, human rights, corporate governance and parliamentary affairs.
With a background in both contentious and non-contentious matters, she is one of just a few lawyers in Scotland to be consistently ranked in Chambers & Partners’ top tier for both administrative & public law and parliamentary & public affairs. She features in Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for parliamentary & public affairs and is recognised as a Leading Individual in education law. She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise.
Working closely alongside fellow Harper Macleod partners Jennifer Jack and James McMorrow, Fiona will be based within the firm’s corporate, commercial and regulatory team, which advises a wide range of public sector clients on regulatory and public law matters, and private businesses on their interaction with government and public bodies.
Fiona has worked in the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and the US Senate in legal and political roles, and in higher education, as well as more than twenty years in private practice. She was a member of the Scottish Government’s Human Rights Leadership Task Force and sits on the Law Society’s sub-committees on constitutional law, human rights, privacy law and its freedom of information working group.
Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: “Fiona’s appointment to the firm underlines our commitment to serving and advising Scotland’s public sector, and those who engage with it.
“Fiona is a leader in her field. Among her many strengths is her ability to see the big picture along with the operational detail across a wide range of aspects of public life in Scotland. As well as advising on public law and regulatory matters, she recognises its impact on day-to-day life and the issues which matter most to the whole of Scotland.”
Fiona Killen said: “Scotland has embraced a rights-based approach in many areas of life, meaning public bodies are tasked with delivering equitable and person-centred services. At the same time, the country is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, creating multiple pressures on public resources.
“Harper Macleod is embedded within civic Scotland and advises high-profile clients on complex situations across all walks of life. It is a real privilege to join the firm and to work alongside already highly-respected colleagues.”
Harper Macleod’s multi-disciplinary teams act for UK Government departments, the Scottish Government and its directorates, non-departmental public bodies, and 24 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. The firm’s advice includes matters relating to public and constitutional law, competition, procurement, subsidy control, public inquiries, property projects and regulatory issues including data protection and employment.
