Shakespeare Martineau has been named as a supplier on Government Commercial Agency’s Legal Panel for Public Sector (RM6374) – opening up new opportunities for the national law firm to support public sector organisations across the UK.
Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the UK’s central commercial and procurement organisation, connecting public and private sectors to achieve the best outcomes for the UK and its citizens. GCA uses its commercial expertise to create a simpler procurement experience that redirects valuable resources into essential public services – creating value for the nation.
The three-year framework – which runs until July 2029 with a possible two-year extension – provides public sector organisations with a compliant and efficient route to access legal services across a wide range of specialisms. It is available to organisations across the public sector, including central and local government, education, health, infrastructure, emergency services, charities and other third sector organisations.
Shakespeare Martineau has been appointed to three lots on the framework: Lot 2 – focused legal support, lot 3 – litigation and disputes and lot 6 – costs lawyer services.
Through lot 2, the firm will provide targeted legal support across a broad range of specialist areas, including charities, commercial and contracts, construction, debt recovery, education, employment, energy, regulatory and real estate.
Lot 3 covers litigation and dispute resolution, including significant and complex disputes, while lot 6 covers routine and complex costs law services across litigation in England and Wales, including specialist clinical negligence costs work.
Shakespeare Martineau already has an established public sector practice, with expertise spanning sectors including higher education, energy, infrastructure, real estate and highways. The firm’s cross-sector experience means it is well placed to support organisations navigating complex legal and commercial challenges across these areas.
Stephen Scott, real estate disputes partner at Shakespeare Martineau and the lead partner overseeing the firm’s work for the GCA’s Legal Panel for Public Sector, said: “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.
“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.”