Peter Lawson is regarded as one of Scotland’s top corporate and M&A lawyers. As chair of Burness Paull, he heads the firm’s governance and strategy board and leads the growth and international plans of the business, alongside the firm’s managing partner, Mark Ellis.
With considerable experience in guiding boards and business leaders on sophisticated public and private M&A work, Peter’s outstanding client and peer reputation is reflected in his ranking by the Chambers legal directory as ‘an eminent practitioner’ and as a member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.
The success of the firm since his appointment as chair in 2018 reflects his passion to lead an inclusive, responsible, and sustainable business, tenaciously aligned to the high-performing ambition of its clients.
Peter is probably Scotland’s top corporate lawyer.
Chambers & Partners, 2023
Peter's distinguished stature in the market brings a lot of authority. Those he is opposite know they'll have to bring their A-game.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Related Insights

Expansion of Right to Work checks: What you need to know
This blog discusses the UK government's tougher stance on immigration compliance, particularly around right to work checks.

Burness Paull promotes five lawyers to partner
01/04/2025
Burness Paull has promoted five of its lawyers to partner as the firm prepares for further growth in key areas and continues to invest in developing homegrown talent.

Burness Paull named UK corporate law firm of the year
10/02/2025
Burness Paull has been named UK corporate law firm of the year at the inaugural Insider Media UK Dealmakers Awards 2025.