What do commercial solicitors in Glasgow do?
Commercial solicitors advise businesses on transactions and day-to-day legal risk. In Scotland,
contracts, property and many business disputes are governed by Scots law, while company registration and
areas such as data protection and consumer protection policy are set at UK level. A Glasgow commercial
firm will usually cover the following.
A private limited company must be registered with Companies House before it starts trading. It needs at
least one director and at least one shareholder, who can be the same person, and it must have articles
of association setting out how it is run. You can adopt the standard model articles or draft your own.
You must also identify people with significant control, such as anyone holding more than 25% of the
shares or voting rights. Since 18 November 2025, new directors have had to verify their identity with
Companies House, and existing directors confirm their verification with their next confirmation
statement. Commercial solicitors advise on structure, directors' duties, board decisions and keeping
company records in order.
Shareholder agreements
The articles set out the company's basic rules. Many owners also put a private shareholder agreement in
place to deal with matters such as decision-making, issuing new shares, what happens if a shareholder
leaves and how disagreements are resolved. A well-drafted agreement written at the start is often easier
than negotiating terms once a dispute has arisen.
Buying and selling a business
A business can be sold by transferring the shares in the company or by selling its assets, such as
equipment, contracts and goodwill. Solicitors carry out or respond to due diligence, negotiate the
purchase agreement, warranties and any restrictions on the seller, and manage completion and the related
registrations.
Commercial contracts and terms
As a general rule in Scots law, writing is not required to form a contract, but contracts creating or
transferring rights in land must be in writing. Even where writing is not legally required, clear
written terms reduce disputes. Commercial solicitors draft and review supply agreements, terms of
business, agency and distribution agreements and confidentiality agreements. Scottish documents can also
be signed in counterpart, with each party signing a separate identical copy.
Commercial property and leases in Scotland
Commercial property in Glasgow is governed by Scots law, not English law. A lease of more than one year
must be in writing, and a lease for more than 20 years can be registered in the Land Register of
Scotland. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, administered by Revenue Scotland, can apply to
non-residential leases: a lease is usually notifiable if the net present value of the rent is more than
£150,000, and a return may be needed even if no tax is due. For purchases of premises, see our guide to
conveyancing solicitors in Glasgow.
Intellectual property
Copyright arises automatically, and design right gives some limited automatic protection. Trade marks,
registered designs and patents require an application to the UK Intellectual Property Office. Commercial
solicitors advise on ownership, licensing and protecting brand names, and refer specialist patent work
where needed.
Regulatory matters
Businesses may need advice on data protection, consumer protection, sector licensing and, where they
recruit from overseas, sponsor licences. Staff issues often overlap with the work of
employment solicitors in Glasgow.
How does working with a commercial solicitor usually work?
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First discussion. You explain the business, the deal or the problem, and the
solicitor confirms the scope of the work.
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Engagement letter. The firm sets out in writing what it will do, who will do it and
how it will charge.
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Investigation and drafting. This may involve due diligence, reviewing existing
contracts or title, and preparing documents.
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Negotiation and signing. Documents are agreed with the other side and signed,
sometimes in counterpart.
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Completion and registrations. Filings may be needed with Companies House, the
Registers of Scotland or Revenue Scotland, depending on the transaction.
Timescales depend on the parties and the complexity of the work rather than any fixed legal timetable.
Who uses commercial solicitors in Glasgow?
Clients range from sole traders and start-ups setting up for the first time, through family businesses
planning succession, to larger companies and investors handling acquisitions, property portfolios and
group restructuring. Charities and social enterprises use commercial solicitors for governance and
contracts too. If a contract or shareholder relationship breaks down, you may need
dispute resolution solicitors in Glasgow.
How do I choose a commercial solicitor in Glasgow?
Look for a firm with experience of businesses of your size and sector, and of the specific transaction
you are planning. Our guide to
choosing a solicitor in Scotland explains how
solicitors are regulated. Questions worth asking at a first meeting include:
- Have you handled this type of transaction or contract for businesses like mine?
- Who will do the work, and who supervises them?
- What will be included in your scope of work, and what is excluded?
- Will you charge a fixed fee, hourly rates or a retainer?
- What information do you need from me, and by when?
- How will you handle any property, tax or regulatory points that arise?
How are commercial solicitors funded in Scotland?
Legal aid cannot be provided to companies or other bodies, except where they act in a representative,
fiduciary or official capacity, so commercial advice is almost always funded privately. Common
arrangements include fixed fees for defined work such as a company formation or a standard lease review,
hourly rates for open-ended matters, and retainers for ongoing advice. Ask for an estimate and the basis
of charging in writing before work starts, and ask what would change the estimate. Business insurance
may cover some legal costs if a dispute arises, so check your policy.
How should I read the commercial solicitor rankings on this page?
Our rankings reflect the published evidence we have assessed about each firm, such as the commercial
work it describes and any independent recognition it holds. They are not a guarantee of service or
results. Always check a firm's current details directly and read
how we rank to understand our approach.