Freeths continues to bolster Scottish offering with strategic appointment of senior infrastructure specialist

Leading law firm Freeths has strengthened its Commercial practice in Scotland with the appointment of Partner Richard Lockhart to its Glasgow office. He joins from Burness Paull.

Joining Freeths with over two decades of experience advising on major infrastructure investment programmes, public-private partnerships and net zero strategy, Richard will play a key role in the continued growth of the firm’s national Commercial team.

Richard specialises in programme development, government policy implementation, governance, procurement, funding and commercial advisory. He has advised on complex social infrastructure, net zero and transport projects across the UK, working closely with central government, including the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, local authorities, funders and private sector contractors.

Richard’s background includes serving as General Counsel at the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and previously as legal and commercial lead for its net zero programme. In these roles he advised on major investment programmes, governance structures and risk management, including hub projects, the mutual investment model, and significant public-private partnerships and non-profit distributing model infrastructure schemes. He has also held a Public Interest Director role at Taycare Health Limited, gaining hands-on operational experience on major Scottish healthcare infrastructure assets.

Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Joint Head of Freeths Glasgow Paul Ockrim said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Richard to Freeths. His track record in delivering complex infrastructure and energy projects speaks for itself, and his appointment strengthens our ability to support clients on some of the most important programmes underway in Scotland and across the UK. It’s another strong indication of the ambition and momentum within our Glasgow office.”

Richard Lockhart added: “Freeths’ growth, its strength in the Commercial, Infrastructure and Energy sectors, and its commitment to supporting clients through the net zero transition were all major draws for me. I am excited to join the team in Glasgow and to contribute to the firm’s work in delivering innovative, sustainable and commercially sound solutions for clients across the public and private sectors.”

Richard’s arrival follows a series of senior hires in Glasgow over the past six months, including Corporate Partner Louise Mahon and Dispute Resolution Partner Jane Dickers. Together, these appointments underline the strong momentum behind Freeths’ Scottish growth and the firm’s ambition to establish a market leading presence across the region.