Mackie Motors (Brechin) Limited and its principal director, Kevin Mackie, have commenced High Court proceedings against law firm Freeths LLP, alleging professional negligence and breach of contract in relation to Freeths’ representation during a prior dispute with RCI Financial Services Ltd., a subsidiary of Renault SA, according to a press release.
Following a rebrand in 2022, Mobilize Financial Services is the commercial brand name for RCI Financial Services.
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The claim concerns legal advice provided between January 2022 and May 2023, during which Freeths acted for Mackie Motors in litigation against RCI.
The dealership had sought redress following what it describes as a sudden and unilateral restriction of access to essential operational systems by Renault, Nissan, and RCI in November 2021.
These restrictions reportedly included termination of access to parts ordering platforms and the Traffic System, which facilitated stock finance obligations.
According to the particulars of claim, Freeths is alleged to have pursued a “flawed, high-risk strategy” that focused narrowly on contractual terms, rather than the broader context of system access termination. The filing asserts that Freeths’ lead solicitor disregarded external counsel’s advice, which had characterised the strategy as “difficult and legally risky” and “more likely to lose than to win.”
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By GlobalDataThe claimants further allege that Freeths “selectively and manipulatively” advised them, withheld material legal opinions, and presented an overly favourable assessment of the case’s prospects.
Despite warnings of “real problems,” Freeths is said to have encouraged amendments and appeals without adequately outlining the associated risks or costs. The appeal was ultimately dismissed in April 2025.
Kevin Mackie commented that he was “surprised and deeply disappointed” by the appeal court’s criticism of the pleadings and the dismissal of the claim. He added that the outcome revealed the “unrealistic” nature of assurances previously received from legal advisers, describing the experience as a significant setback for his family and business.
Freeths LLP declined an invitation to respond to the bringing of these proceedings.
