Duncan Scott

Duncan is a Partner and Solicitor within our Dispute Resolution team, which is led by Andrew Witt.

Duncan has been litigating since qualifying as a solicitor in 1999, which means he has been dealing with disputes for longer than some of his colleagues have been alive. Over the years, he has accumulated a wealth of experience across commercial disputes, property litigation, contentious probate and insolvency, earning a reputation as the lawyer you call when the problem is complicated, high value, or heading rapidly in the wrong direction.

He is a member of both ACTAPS and ConTrA, which confirms what his clients already know: Duncan takes contentious probate work seriously.

His practice ranges from Commercial Court litigation through to multi-jurisdictional disputes. Recent instructions have included acting in a lawful and unlawful means conspiracy claim involving a £3 million property which proceeded to a five-day trial, as well as a lengthy High Court professional negligence action concerning a veterinary practice. In short, Duncan is at his happiest when dealing with substantial disputes and difficult opponents.

Clients appreciate Duncan's straightforward approach. While some lawyers seem determined to turn every issue into a lengthy academic exercise, Duncan's focus is on moving matters forward efficiently and achieving the best possible outcome. He believes clients should understand their options, know where they stand on costs and have a clear strategy from the outset.

Away from the legal arguments, Duncan derives genuine satisfaction from helping junior lawyers develop their careers. He is also one of those increasingly rare litigators who remains accessible to clients and colleagues alike, despite having every excuse not to be.

Duncan joined Dutton Gregory because of its supportive and forward-thinking culture. He values the firm's commitment to client service, technological innovation and collaborative working, although he would probably say the real attraction was finding a place where people can take their work seriously without taking themselves too seriously.