Rural Services
Phone
0131 656 5681
Address
Caledonian Exchange 19A Canning Street Edinburgh EH3 8HE
Connect With
Susan is a Partner and Head of our Rural Services Team and is involved in all aspects of rural property and planning law, with a particular focus on development matters. She has a background in commercial matters acting for rural clients, including acting for both land owners and developers, which means she can provide complete advice to her clients on both the preferred course of action from the landowner’s perspective, as well as anticipating issues developers may have and addressing them at an early stage. She has drafted and negotiated many contracts for development, for acquisition and disposal, option agreements, overage agreements and provided advice on the legal aspects of associated planning matters.
Susan is also the lead Partner in advising Scottish Water on their property matters. This includes the acquisition of land, creation of rights and leases required to improve Scotland’s water and drainage infrastructure. Susan and her team have also advised them on their renewable project and disposal program.
Susan is also experienced in the renewable sector. She acts for both landowners and developers in wind farm projects and understands the issues that matter to her clients. She understands the numerous documents that are required to fund renewable projects and her drafting and negotiating of these is both commercial and sensible to get deals completed with ease. At present she is leading the team in 2 major wind farm projects for a larger windfarm developer, the largest being a proposed 500m MW windfarm with approximately 80 turbines, spanning 18 landowners.
On technical aspects, Susan has been instrumental in setting up a working group from all property teams at Lindsays to examine the implications of the Land Registration Etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 and put in place firm-wide procedures to deal with the changes and lower any risk to clients. She is familiar with the implications of the 2012 Act for, in particular, historic titles and development matters, where the ultimate proprietor shall be an individual plot owner. Susan anticipates, from the outset, requirements to see a deal to conclusion and uses her knowledge to ensure that the legal aspects are all dealt with properly and timeously to avoid any unnecessary delays or protracted negotiations. Her input on the commercial aspects and negotiations has also been invaluable to her clients in meeting their goals.
Susan was a non-executive member of the Lindsays management board, serving two terms until March 2021, and was involved in the Firm’s on-going management and strategic matters.
"Susan Law is very approachable and easy to talk to. She is always available when needed which is refreshing at partner level. She is committed to her clients and takes a pragmatic approach to solving legal problems."
The Legal 500 UK
"Susan has a breadth of knowledge in relation to development and land matters. She is commercially aware and offers sound pragmatic advice. She knows how to get the job done."
CHAMBERS UK: A CLIENT'S GUIDE TO THE UK LEGAL PROFESSION
news 25 March 2024
Landowners and tenants should ensure they register decision-makers by 31 March 2024
news
A cautionary reminder for landowners to ensure access agreements are in place when considering diversification opportunities
news
Solar farm developments are another potential avenue in which agricultural and estate enterprises can tap into renewables and diversity their income
insights 20 October 2023
Louise Norris, Partner in our Commercial Property team believes retailers will be keen for talks as council’s Golden Z plans progress