Local government in North West

Addleshaw Goddard's local government work spans areas such as energy, transport, public infrastructure and public services. The firm is a go-to for major outsourcing and partnership transactions, and it also has a strong reputation defending local government entities against high-value procurement claims. Andrew Pettinger, who handles outsourcing and other commercial transactions, jointly leads the team with Michael O’Connor.

DWF is highlighted for its strengths in infrastructure and urban regeneration schemes, and it is also adept in public procurement work; the latter is an area in which Colin Murray is recommended. Murray jointly leads the team with Jonathan Branton, who specialises in subsidy control, state aid and EU competition matters. Other key areas of work  include governance, health and safety, environmental and other regulatory advice for local authority clients. The practice also handles insurance work, defending claims for historical abuse and failures of social care, with a specialism in the recovery of outstanding care debt. Associate Bradley Martin focuses on public procurement and outsourcing transactions.

Clyde & Co LLP is well known for defending local government clients in complex and difficult litigation. Other key areas of work include misfeasance claims, abuse and CSE claims, inquests and inquiries, development projects and social housing. Paul Tarne represents local authorities and emergency services in civil and regulatory matters; he jointly leads the team with Matthew Hyam, who concentrates on acting for stock-owning local authorities and registered providers of social housing. Associate Nicholas Leigh specialises in claims involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, representing charitable institutions, local authorities, churches and schools.

Browne Jacobson LLP acts for local authority clients from throughout the North West and beyond. It stands out for its experience in large-scale procurement, regeneration projects, waste and other contractual matters. Other key areas of work include commercial matters, state aid, alternative service delivery models and adult social care issues. Mike Mousdale, who heads up the department, has extensive transactions and projects expertise, having advised on LLP joint ventures and strategic partnerships.

DLA Piper advises local government clients on a broad range of issues, including planning, outsourcing, projects and pensions. It has a notably strong record in regeneration projects. Sarah Bell is experienced in assisting clients with commercial projects, procurement and joint ventures. She jointly leads the team with Liam Cowell, who specialises in infrastructure and project finance transactions. Up-and-coming partner Gemma Cowap focuses on local authority commercial trading projects and strategic partnerships.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's strengths in acting for clients from the public, private and third sectors gives its team an insight into relations between public sector organisations and private sector partners over the supply and delivery of key services. Key areas of focus include social care, housing, schools and waste collection and disposal. Suzanne Benson specialises in major projects, including land projects, joint ventures and regeneration schemes, as well as the development of home ownership projects. She jointly leads the practice with Scott Dorling.

Weightmans LLP provides a full service to local authorities, with core pillars of the practice including regeneration projects and property transactions. The team also handles public service transformations and large employment mandates, such as major restructures. It is also highly recommended for governance advice and conduct investigations. Simon Goacher is the head of the practice.

Freeths LLP's local government practice is particularly recommended for property work, with expertise in construction, tax, property litigation and town planning. Another key strength lies in providing strategic advice on the local government regulatory environment, with issues including powers, EU procurement and subsidy control. Nathan Holden, who leads the practice, advises on property projects and local authority powers of investment and disposal. Jackie Heeds joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in September 2020.

Hill Dickinson LLP has a well-established presence in the local government sector, with it being able to draw upon the expertise of practitioners from multiple disciplines, including public procurement, construction, banking, employment and planning. It stands out for its involvement in large regeneration projects and is also a major player in telecoms sector projects. Mark Fitzgibbon, who advises on procurement regulations relating to complex regeneration projects, jointly leads the team with Tracey Sheehan, who has extensive telecoms experience.

Squire Patton Boggs' team is instructed in matters involving public and private sector entities, particularly complex regeneration schemes and large-scale development projects. The practice is also active in infrastructure and transport projects, and has a niche in clean air and decarbonisation initiatives. Mark Barker leads the group.

TLT advises local government clients from across the North West and further afield nationally on a wide range of matters, such as planning, procurement and real estate, among others. It is notably prominent in large-scale regeneration schemes and major infrastructure projects. Jon Hainey has over 25 years of experience advising public sector entities on a range of issues, including public law and procurement disputes. Kuldip Dhanoya leads the local government group.