Jennifer Talbot

Jennifer is a litigator and regulatory lawyer, based in DLA Piper’s Edinburgh office. Jennifer is a member of the DLA Piper’s Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) group, and is a Co-Lead of DLA Piper’s Scotch whisky practice. She has a broad-ranging practice, with a specific focus on the Life Sciences, Industrials, and Consumer Goods, Fashion and Retail sectors.

With a background in commercial litigation, Jennifer has advised and guided clients through complex disputes, including property and construction disputes. Jennifer undertakes advocacy work in Inquiries and hearings in Sheriff Courts across Scotland, and has experience in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

Jennifer has experience of advising clients in respect of group proceedings (class actions). Group proceedings are in their infancy in Scotland and, with the growing presence of global claims, this type of claim presents new challenges to companies. Jennifer has worked with colleagues in multiple jurisdictions to devise and implement a global defence strategy. 

Within the regulatory sphere, Jennifer advises clients on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including health and safety and environmental law. Jennifer has particular experience in product safety, fire safety, and the regulatory aspects of health and social care. Jennifer advises and represents clients in complex and high-profile regulatory investigations, enforcement action and prosecutions, and Fatal Accident Inquiries.

Jennifer has a particular interest and specialism in the regulation of Scotch whisky. She advises domestic and international clients on their operations in the Scotch whisky industry. She advises on all aspects of the regulation of Scotch whisky, including the verification of provenance (from cask to bottle), bottling and labelling, and branding. Jennifer has built connections within the industry, and combines knowledge of the black letter law with the customs and practice to provide comprehensive and practical advice to clients entering or operating in the market. 

Jennifer is recognised by clients for her responsiveness, and her commercial and pragmatic advice.