Levy & McRae Solicitors are delighted to announce that our Private Crime team has once again been ranked Tier 1 in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 UK, maintaining our position as the top-ranked criminal law team in Scotland.

The achievement highlights our continued excellence in criminal defence, regulatory, and reputational matters — and reflects the firm’s deep commitment to providing exceptional service to clients across Scotland and beyond.

The ranking also celebrates individual recognition for Neil Hay, who has retained his status as a Leading Partner in the Legal 500 UK guide. Congratulations are also due to the wider Private Crime team: Andrew Seggie, David McKie, Hannah Fairbrother, Hannah Baxter, Paul Anderson, Cameron Irons, Callum Anderson, and Michelle McKinnon, whose dedication and professionalism underpin this success.

Legal 500 Editorial Commentary

The Legal 500 notes:

“The criminal law team at Levy & McRae provides specialist advice at all levels of the Scottish criminal court system. The team’s expertise covers a diverse range of criminal matters including regulatory, financial and domestic crime. David McKie assumes a leading role in dealing with PR and media for high-net-worth clients. Fellow co-head Callum Anderson is regularly called upon to defend police officers and public officials, while co-head Neil Hay specialises in cases relating to regulatory matters, fraud and historical allegations. Hay is supported by Andrew Seggie, who has particular expertise in managing cases to protect the reputations of clients. Laurelle Johnstone brings a wealth of experience to the practice, joining from the COPFS in February 2025.”

This independent editorial assessment underscores the team’s breadth of expertise and its growing strength with the addition of new talent.

Client Testimonials

In addition to the editorial commentary, client testimonials gathered by The Legal 500 research team reflect the trust and confidence clients place in Levy & McRae:

“The team at Levy & McRae are second to none and in a league of their own. The firm are very capable and have some of the highest sought-out solicitors and partners in Scotland.”

“Levy & McRae have built a fantastic crime team and I consider them the go-to firm when I have a private client in need of criminal advice, especially for high-stakes matters.”

“Neil Hay is such a safe pair of hands. His key strength is his ability to put clients at ease and his reliability – Neil goes to great lengths to make himself available, which makes him a great person to have in your network.”

Continued Recognition

Speaking on the announcement, Neil Hay, Partner and Co-Head of the Private Crime team, said:

“I’m extremely proud of the Private Crime team at Levy & McRae, yet again ranked Tier 1 by The Legal 500 and recognised as the top-ranked criminal law team in the country. Our success reflects the tireless commitment, skill, and empathy that the team brings to every case.”

This latest recognition in The Legal 500 UK 2026 reaffirms Levy & McRae’s standing as Scotland’s premier private criminal law firm — a team trusted by clients to handle the most complex and sensitive matters with discretion, determination, and excellence.

View the full rankings here: Levy & McRae Solicitors – Legal 500 UK 2026