Browne Jacobson to provide legal advice to North West public bodies after contract award

Browne Jacobson can provide legal advice on issues ranging from social care to construction projects to public bodies in North West England after landing a key contract.

The UK and Ireland law firm was awarded four of six lots, including the highly-coveted partner status, in the procurement by the North West Legal Consortium (NWLC).

Representing more than 40 public organisations – including councils, combined authorities, waste disposal authorities, social housing agencies, transport bodies, and police and crime commissioner offices – the consortium facilitates collaboration in the procurement and commissioning of legal services.

Browne Jacobson, which has an office at No.1 Spinningfields in Manchester, had previously been on a panel for social care and education, but has now expanded into panels for corporate governance, ethical standards and information law, as well as projects, procurement, commercial and construction.

Up to six firms are appointed to each lot (except for projects, procurement, commercial and construction, where 10 firms are appointed) and may receive instructions from members for legal work via these frameworks.

Browne Jacobson is also one of only two firms to be awarded partner status. This means it will work closely with the consortium’s management team on bespoke requirements, such as a training programme, delivery of an annual training event, support to junior lawyers and a range of other value-added activities for consortium members.

Bradley Martin, Partner in Browne Jacobson’s government and infrastructure team, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded partner status and appointed to four lots for the NWLC, which comprises high-profile members delivering hugely important work in their local communities that requires legal support.

“This is another great contract award for our government team, which has significant experience in servicing similar legal consortiums such as EM LawShare and London Boroughs’ Legal Alliance. It is testament to our growing profile, and dedication to supporting our clients in the North West and nationally.

“The scope of the work is broad, ranging from providing extra capacity to local authorities’ in-house legal departments through to bigger projects across any areas of a commercial nature.”

The NWLC’s members include the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, Lancashire County Council, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Lake District National Park Authority, Liverpool City Council, and the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.