HB Public Law holds formal launch as consideration given to third council joining

HB Public Law – the shared legal service set up by Harrow and Barnet Councils – held its formal launch this month, as it emerged that consideration is being given to a third local authority joining the structure.

The launch of the service, which now has approximately 70 fee-earning staff with 15 support staff, took place at its purpose-built offices.

HB Public Law came together from 3 September 2012 with a view to saving £4.4m over a five-year period and meeting rising demand for legal services.

Cllr Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, told attendees at the launch that  it was good to see that public service was at the heart of the practice. He added that his authority continued to see the practice as Barnet’s lawyers, and this was to the credit of the staff in maintaining relationships.

Harrow chief executive Michael Lockwood meanwhile praised the team for being at the forefront of shared services between the two councils.

A decision on whether the unnamed third borough will join HB Public Law will be taken in July. If the move gets the green light, the deal is likely to be implemented later this year.

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HB Public Law launch: left to right – Cllr Brian Schama, Mayor of Barnet Council; Michael Lockwood, chief executive of Harrow Council; Cllr Nizam Ismail, Mayor of Harrow Council.