EM LawShare expands panel of law firms

EM LawShare, the pioneering consortium of 48 local authorities in the East Midlands, has unveiled a revamped panel of law firms.

Anthony Collins and DLA Piper join Browne Jacobson, Freeth Cartwright and Weightmans from the original panel in providing legal advice to consortium members. The arrangements cover 13 areas of practice, including contract, employment and corporate governance.

Jayne Francis-Ward, Service Director of Legal and Democratic Services at Nottinghamshire County Council and leader of the consortium, hailed the unique nature of the initiative.

She said: “Other local authorities have established legal panels but the uniqueness of EM LawShare is firstly its size, with 48 councils as members, and most importantly its partnership working ethos. This isn’t simply a call off contract but a hugely successful example of a real public private partnership.”

EM LawShare was set up in 2005, with 14 councils going on to appoint four panel firms. The new arrangements will last for a further four years.