PDFAreas of expertise
Professional information
- 2019: Admitted to Faculty of Advocates.
- 2018 – 2019: Devil at Faculty of Advocates (devil masters: Gordon Balfour, Miranda Hamilton, Edith Forest).
- 2014 – 2018: Associate at Berrymans Lace Mawer.
- 2006 – 2014: Trainee, solicitor, associate at Harper Macleod LLP.
- B.Acc, University of Glasgow (2002); LLB, University of Strathclyde (2005); Diploma in Legal Practice, Glasgow Graduate School of Law (2006); LLM Construction Law (Distinction), University of Strathclyde (2017); Faculty Scholar (2018 – 2019).
Murray Steel specialises in constructing, engineering, infrastructure, energy, professional negligence, commercial contract, and shipping disputes.
Murray appears frequently as sole and junior counsel in the Commercial Court of the Court of Session. He has been involved in many of the most significant construction and commercial cases of recent years. He is regularly instructed in adjudications and arbitrations.
Chambers and Partners highlights Murray’s “impressive profile” in commercial disputes and commends his “particular skill” in construction matters.
Alongside his practice, Murray tutors at the University of Glasgow, lectures at the University of Strathclyde, and is an active member of the Society of Construction Law. He has shared his experience at events hosted by the Adjudication Society, the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association, and the Royal Faculty of Procurators.
- Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited v One Arup & Partners Scotland Limited [2023] CSOH 53; [2024] CSIH 15. Acted for defender (and then appellant) in preliminary proof on prescription.
- FES Limited v HFD Construction Group Limited [2024] CSOH 20. Acted for defender in debate about conditions precedent in Standard Building Contract with Quantities for Use in Scotland.
- Tecjet Limited v Kier Construction Limited [2024] CSOH 60. Acted as junior counsel for defender in debate about (i) title to sue, and (ii) validity of assignations.
- Ashtenne Caledonia Limited v Denny Enterprises Limited [2023] CSOH 20; [2023] CSOH 22; [2023] CSOH 23. Acted as sole counsel for defender in series of debates in case involving a dilapidations dispute.
- Network Rail Infrastructure Limited v Fern Trustee 1 Limited and others [2022] CSIH 32. Acted as junior counsel for pursuer (and appellant) in debate about construction of a commercial contract.
- Colquhoun and others v Clinical Research Solutions GmbH and Cromsource SRL [2022] CSOH 96. Acted as junior counsel for defenders in preliminary proof on prescription.
- The Firm of C&L Mair v Mike Dewis Farm Systems Limited [2022] CSOH 47. Acted as sole counsel for defender in debate about prescription.
- Van Oord UK Limited v Dragados UK Limited [2022] CSOH 30. Acted as junior counsel fordefender in adjudication enforcement action.
- Babcock Marine (Clyde) Limited v HS Barrier Coatings Limited [2019] CSOH 110. Acted as junior counsel for defender in adjudication enforcement action.
- Legal 500 – Recommended as leading junior in Commercial Disputes (Tier 2). “Murray’s written work is excellent, with an equally strong advocacy style. Clients love him.” Legal 500 2022
- Chambers and Partners 2023. Up and Coming. “an impressive profile for his handling of commercial disputes, with particular skill in construction matters”.