Shakespeare Martineau joins Government legal panel

Shakespeare Martineau has been named as a supplier on the Government Commercial Agency’s Legal Panel for Public Sector (RM6374), which presents the national law firm with new opportunities to assist public sector organisations throughout the UK. The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) serves as the nation’s central commercial and procurement body, aiming to effectively connect the public and private sectors to achieve beneficial outcomes for citizens. GCA's focus on enhancing procurement processes serves to optimize resources for essential services, thus creating value for the nation.

The framework will run for three years until July 2029, with the possibility of a two-year extension, and offers public sector organisations an efficient way to access legal services spanning several specialisms. This resource is available to a broad spectrum of entities including central and local government, healthcare, education, infrastructure, emergency services, charities, and other third sector organisations.

Shakespeare Martineau has been appointed to three lots within this framework: Lot 2, which centres on focused legal support; Lot 3, which addresses litigation and disputes; and Lot 6, which covers costs lawyer services. Under Lot 2, Shakespeare Martineau will deliver targeted legal support across various specialist sectors such as charities, commercial and contracts, construction, debt recovery, employment, energy, regulatory and real estate. Lot 3 involves litigation and dispute resolution on significant and complex cases, while Lot 6 pertains to routine and intricate costs law services in litigation across England and Wales, including specialist work in clinical negligence costs.

The firm has a well-established public sector practice, with expertise across diverse areas such as higher education, energy, infrastructure, real estate and highways. Shakespeare Martineau's cross-sector experience equips them to assist organisations facing intricate legal and commercial challenges in these domains. Stephen Scott, real estate disputes partner at Shakespeare Martineau and the lead partner managing the firm’s work for the GCA’s Legal Panel for Public Sector, expressed that “Being appointed to the Government Commercial Agency’s latest legal framework reflects the strength and breadth of our specialist teams. We have a strong track record supporting public sector organisations and the framework gives us a valuable route to continue those relationships while reaching new clients."

Scott also highlighted that “Public sector organisations are managing significant change and investment, particularly across areas such as energy, infrastructure, real estate and highways. We already have deep expertise in these areas and understand the legal and commercial challenges they present. We’re looking forward to using the framework to bring that experience to more organisations, providing practical, specialist advice that helps them deliver important projects and services for the communities they serve.”