West Midlands authorities name 23 sets of chambers to first ever barristers legal services framework

Details: 14.Sep.2026

A group of West Midlands local authorities has appointed 23 chambers to its first framework for barristers' legal services, divided into nine lots worth up to £60 million (plus VAT) over four years.

The framework, which comes into effect today (14 September), was managed by specialist legal consultancy Kennedy Cater, with City of Wolverhampton Council acting as lead contracting authority on behalf of the West Midlands Local Authorities partnership.

The partnership comprises:

Birmingham City Council
Coventry City Council
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
Shropshire Council
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Telford & Wrekin Council
Walsall Council
Warwick District Council
City of Wolverhampton Council

The framework is also open to local authorities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire.

It is expected to run until 13 September 2029, with an option to extend for a further 12 months. The successful chambers are set out below.

Tim Morel, Head of Public Sector at Kennedy Cater, said: "This procurement is a prime example of how positive collaboration between local authorities can deliver outstanding benefits. From the outset the framework was designed to provide the tailored support these local authorities specifically require, from first class Chambers who additionally provide a raft of value added and social benefits, from providing legal training sessions, management information, secondments and legal surgeries to offering work experience, paid internships and pupillage opportunities specifically targeted to help improve social mobility for their communities for years to come."

Jeszemma Howell, City of Wolverhamptons’ Cabinet member for Governance and Digital, said: "This framework demonstrates what can be achieved when local authorities work together towards a shared goal. By combining our purchasing power, we have secured access to high-quality specialist legal support while ensuring value for money for the public purse.

"The framework will help councils obtain expert barristers' services efficiently and consistently, supporting the delivery of vital local services and helping us respond effectively to the legal challenges we face."

Lot 1 – Adult Social Services (10 Chambers)