"Recommended" in the 2011 Edition of the Legal 500 for our expertise in public sector and local government law, we act for over 40 local authorities including London Boroughs, Unitary and County authorities and have more than 15 years’ experience of working within the sector.

 

We provide a full range of specialist services to the sector including:-

 

  • Planning, highways and environmental advice;
  • Commercial Property and construction;
  • Commercial and contracts advice and drafting;
  • Outsourcing and procurement;
  • Intellectual property advice;
  • Regulatory law including prosecutions;
  • Governance;
  • Regeneration schemes;
  • Housing;
  • Employment;
  • Licensing.


Whilst local authorities are businesses in their own right, we recognise that they have additional responsibilities of probity and governance and that their decision making process is open to external scrutiny.

 

There are 2 partners and 3 solicitors who were employed by local authorities before joining us.  They are aware of the requirements of local authorities and the need to obtain best value at all times.  They have first hand experience of the decision making process in local authorities including preparation of reports, briefing papers and members’ briefings.

 

The Firm’s planning and environmental team consists of planning lawyers and consultants with considerable knowledge and experience of local authority needs and issues.

 

We have provided training to local authorities and others on a variety of subjects and are looking to develop further in-house programmes with public and local authorities.

 

Our lawyers have many years experience in assisting Local Authorities with issues relating to their residential property portfolios.  This has given us a clear understanding of the many different principles which Local Authorities apply to their decision making processes, as compared with purely commercial organisations. 

 

We are familiar with the specific pieces of legislation which apply to Local Authority property transactions, and explaining these to other parties solicitors.  We have particular expertise in the following areas:-

 

  • Right to Buy Sales;
  • Social Homebuy/Shared Ownership Sales;
  • Leasehold Enfranchisement;
  • Service Charge Loans;
  • General Portfolio Management