We help local governments set up joint bodies, providing initial advice prior to set up and managing the contractual arrangements smoothly. We can also help you deal with existing intellectual property management, and any new intellectual property which may arise from current projects.

You will receive expert advice in relation to software and IT contracts, including any assistance with framework agreements which are already available for local governments to use. We also make sure your procurement processes and information and data sharing processes are compliant and that tenders get the desired results.

Whether you need support with the daily operations of your local authority or are considering a large scale project, we can tailor our advice to save you both time and money. From mergers and acquisitions to corporate finance and capital structure, joint ventures and general corporate advisory, our team are immersed in the full range of services required by public sector organisations.

Our deep understanding of local government staffing and regulation, as well as our wider expertise in working with clients in the public sector, means that we can work in partnership with you to develop best practice workforce solutions. Our advice will always be tailored to your own culture and values, as well as reflecting the regulatory and reputational issues that impact on the decisions you take. We provide expert support on a wide range of matters including employee relations, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), pensions, organisational change/change management, TUPE and pay disputes, as well as managing the defence of claims in the employment tribunal and courts. Our litigators can provide full claims management or capacity support with specific elements of claims (e.g. bundle preparation, drafting witness statements or providing representation at hearings through our in-house advocacy team).

Our excellent track record in Freedom of Information (FIO) complaints and appeals sets the standard for our advice on data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality law issues, including resolving any disputes and policy/contractual issues. We also help manage subject access requests and data breaches, and prepare information-sharing and data-processing agreements. From working with data protection officers, governance teams and Caldicott Guardians on a daily basis, we know local authority-specific legislation and guidance in detail, resulting in a comprehensive, up-to-date and solutions-focussed service.

Our highly skilled and experienced team will work with you to minimise risk and prevent escalation of disputes where they can be resolved quickly and decisively. You can rely on us to resolve disputes relating to procurements, contracts, fraud, reputation management, employment, health and safety, property or construction. Providing value for money is essential for us and our experts are able to settle disputes through negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration or in court.

Many of our team members have worked as in-house lawyers in local government, so we fully understand the complexities and practical issues surrounding the planning system and internal decision making. We provide support, advice and realistic solutions for a wide variety of planning and highway matters, from large scale regeneration (residential, commercial or otherwise), planning policy advice, niche and bespoke pilot trials, to regular outsourcing capacity to act as the local planning authority in negotiating and completing s106 agreements/deeds of variation.

Successful and legally compliant awards are an essential part of daily life in local government. The unique operational, reputational and financial risks associated with procurement means you need to get it right first time, every time. We’ll advise you on the entire lifecycle of procurement, from strategy and risk management to document development. If an issue does arise, we can help you spot it early and help you resolving procurement disputes favourably from pre-action correspondence through to trial.

We give local governments a competitive edge in all types of development transactions, including large scale regeneration schemes. This comes in part from our experience in acting for over 200 registered housing providers. Our large team handles all types of landlord and tenant work, site acquisitions and disposals and asset management work, including any disputes that might arise. We also have a specialist team who advise on PFI contract management, disputes and termination/expiry issues.