For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers: legal costs

This case was a petition for judicial review of the revised statutory guidance on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, brought by For Women Scotland against the Scottish Ministers.

It was first heard by the Court of Session, which found in favour of the Scottish Ministers, both at first instance and on appeal. For Women Scotland successfully appealed to the UK Supreme Court, which handed down judgment on 16 April 2025.

The Supreme Court ordered that the Scottish Ministers were liable for For Women Scotland’s legal expenses.

These are the final costs we incurred in relation to the case.

The figures provided are exclusive of VAT chargeable for services provided to the Scottish Government.

UK Supreme Court

The following figures relate to proceedings in the UK Supreme Court.

External counsel representing the Scottish Ministers: £105,462.50
Court fees: £160
For Women Scotland’s legal expenses: £242,500
Law accountant: £3,234
Total cost: £351,356.50

Court of Session

The following figures relate to proceedings in the Outer and Inner House of the Court of Session.

External counsel representing the Scottish Ministers: £53,487.50
Court fees: £7,552
For Women Scotland’s legal expenses: £150,000
Law accountant: £1,719.30
Total cost: £212,758.80

Related information

For Women Scotland Ltd (Appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent) - UK Supreme Court