Neil Hay

Neil Hay is a senior Scottish lawyer specialising in criminal law, white-collar crime, fraud & financial crime, health & safety cases and regulatory crime. He provides strategic legal advice and specialist court representation for clients under investigation or facing prosecution. He is based at our Edinburgh office and works throughout Scotland and in London. 

He has practised as a solicitor for more than 25 years, and as a solicitor-advocate for over 15 years, defending clients in Scottish courts at every level. He has represented clients accused of the most serious crimes in the High Court (including as leading counsel) and in the Appeal Court.

For many years Neil has been top-rated by legal directories for his expertise in criminal law and financial crime. He is the only Scottish criminal lawyer to be recommended by the Spears 500 index for his expertise in private crime cases and is highly recommended as a ‘leading individual’ by the Legal 500 for his overall expertise in Scottish criminal law. Neil has also featured in Chambers & Partners guide to the legal profession and in The Times Best Law Firms. 

Neil acts for individuals, organisations and companies facing investigation or prosecution. His individual clients are professionals (such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers & company directors) or high-profile (politicians, civil servants, media personalities & international sportspeople). He is frequently instructed by persons of high-net-worth (landowners, investors, company owners & entrepreneurs). Corporate clients include FTSE 100 companies, insurance companies, unions, partnerships, government institutions, religious organisations, pressure groups and charities.

Neil has a very substantial referral practice. He is the solicitor of choice for leading law firms in Scotland, England and internationally (including magic circle firms), who require his specialist expertise for their clients. He has a significant practice in England & Wales, providing advice to individuals and companies who require specialist advice in Scottish criminal law. He is also instructed by clients in Europe, the Middle East and in the United States. 

The focus of Neil’s work is always on discretion and confidentiality, with the aim of avoiding court prosecutions and protecting reputations. If court proceedings cannot be avoided, he will lead a specialist and dedicated team of lawyers to provide a vigorous and effective defence in court. Neil is particularly highly regarded for his skill and experience in defending domestic, sexual & financial cases. 

Outside of legal practice Neil is regularly asked to speak at legal conferences and to write articles for legal journals. He is a former lecturer at Scottish universities in the law of Evidence and in Court & Tribunal Advocacy. He also has a particular interest in improving access to the legal profession for under-represented groups. Neil is married with three children and lives in Edinburgh.