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Freeths - Law firm

Local Government

It's in our DNA

What is involved?

If you want a cross-disciplinary team with a track record of working for local authorities then look no further. From complex and innovative urban regeneration and major infrastructure schemes, to shared services, establishing corporate structures, strategic partnering and outsourcing, we cover all of the major service areas.

We also offer a variety of specialist legal support services including employment and HR, dispute resolution (including JR), town planning, highways and compulsory purchase, members’ conduct, guardianship, governance, local government powers and duties the conduct of prosecutions and other regulatory work.

We are appointed to a number of nationally recognised legal frameworks including EM Lawshare and North East Procurement Organisation. We also act for over 100 local authorities across the country from Plymouth in the South West to Tyneside in the North East.

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Why choose us?

  • With over 60 specialist lawyers, many of whom have worked in-house at local authorities, we understand the issues you face and can often identify solutions already applied elsewhere
  • We will keep up-to-date with the latest knowledge of new initiatives at a local and national level, so that you are able to proactively support legal developments, rather than reacting to them
  • We offer a variety of training and other benefits, helping your organisation operate as cost-effectively as it can, but also ensure you have the tools you need to do your job well
  • As a firm, we pride ourselves on adopting pragmatic approaches to solving legal issues

With over 25 years’ experience in the public sector, Freeths have the experience and strength in depth to meet your needs. Call us now to see how our dedicated Local Government team can help you.

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Meet the team

Local Government Lawyers


Philippa Dempster

Philippa Dempster
Managing Partner

0207 440 5841

Image of Patrick Adie

Patrick Adie
Partner

0345 050 3273

Emma Brooksbank
Partner

0345 166 6300

Robert Bruce
Partner

0345 128 6958

Nathan Holden
Partner

0345 077 9646

Rena Magdani
Partner

0345 272 5715

Stephen Pearson
Partner

0345 274 6900

Ian Rowson
Partner

0345 050 3627

Ian Tempest

Ian Tempest
Partner

0345 274 6818

Duncan Tringham
Partner

0117 472 5385

Lucy Jackson
Director

0345 404 1739

Alison Heathcote

Alison Heathcote
Managing Associate

0345 404 1718

Sarah Norton

Sarah Norton
Managing Associate

0345 050 3600

Shireen Eliyas
Senior Associate

0345 073 8584

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Testimonials

‘There is real quality in the firm, their ability to understand Local government political environments and to help you to navigate the associated challenges is what sets them apart.’

(The Legal 500, 2024)

‘The individuals are brilliant but they also quickly and effortlessly combine to act in concert when required to provide synchronised and mutually reinforcing advice.’

(The Legal 500, 2024)

‘The lawyers are very knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields and brought new and innovative ways of dealing with the issues.’

(The Legal 500, 2024)

“They give very thorough and efficient advice.”

(Chambers & Partners, 2024)

“The Freeths team has provided impressive support for a number of projects - they are responsive and their service levels are top-quality.”

(Chambers & Partners, 2024)

“Freeths provide an excellent service and response time.”

(Chambers & Partners, 2024)

"They have strength and depth and cover all matters pertaining to local government – a real all-rounder!"

(The Legal 500, 2023)

"I have found Freeths to be a friendly, reliable, and very capable practice willing to help on an urgent basis when needed. They not only provide legal advice but real practical solutions, which is invaluable, and, in fact, exactly what clients want."

(The Legal 500, 2023)

"The firm seems to be growing in strength and position in the marketplace. Lawyers have always been engaged with us from the outset, proactive and responsive. Freeths is able to progress projects very effectively and to an exceptional standard. This remains the case when dealing with demanding and time-critical, complex projects and on major procurements."

(The Legal 500, 2022)

"Freeths team is highly skilled, responsive and client focused. We have used Freeths for many years so our recent experience of others is limited but we did use a few other major firms last year when in joint ventures. Without hesitation I would regard Freeths as providing a better service, particularly on responsiveness and client management."

(The Legal 500, 2022)

Notable Work
  • Advising Milton Keynes Council on the “historic” acquisition of £32 million of land and property assets from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA).
  • Advising Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council on two major town centre regeneration projects (£75 million), including making and promotion of CPOs.
  • Carrying out due diligence for significant income-generating investment purchases for a number of local authorities.
  • Creating and vetting new Governance agreements for a District Council.
  • Carrying out complex misconduct investigations on behalf of Local Authorities, both code based and under internal procedures.
  • We are instructed by a large unitary authority to act as Court of Protection deputy for a number of their service users.
  • Advising a Fire and Rescue Authority on a dispute with a building contractor relating to the refurbishment of a Fire Station.
  • Advising a Council on the disputed use of land for unauthorised agricultural uses and the subsequent arbitration process.
  • Creating Cambridge Investment Partnership, a JV LLP Involving Cambridge County Council to ensure publicly owned sites are better utilised to provide affordable housing (£100 million).
  • Advising on the outsourcing development and operation of a new “sports village” for a District Council including a local FC training facility and grandstand, Rugby Pitch, Multi-use Games Area, Bar/cafe and Gym.
  • Advising a Borough Council on IT aspects of contract and IT documents for the strategic outsourcing of entire ICT infrastructure and print functions for a 7 year term.
  • Training Local Authorities on Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
  • Advising a Local Planning Authority in a prosecution for breach of a planning Enforcement Notice, including acting as trial advocate. Successfully securing conviction, resulting in a significant fine and a full award of costs.
  • Advising Warrington Borough Council on 5 academy lease transfers. Involving a complex, number of issues including formal and informal occupation rights and first registration of unregistered title.
  • Undertaking an investigation instigated by a Chief Executive following serious allegations against senior managers attracting media coverage, involving 29 witnesses (including Councillors and Trade Union representatives).
  • Acting for a County Council in a 7-day sex discrimination and unfair dismissal claim, successfully defended and obtained substantial costs order. Undertook own advocacy ensuring continuity.
  • Defending three linked claims for redundancy payments on behalf of a local authority.
  • Advising Milton Keynes Council on planning and infrastructure associated with the Eastern Expansion Area of Milton Keynes.
  • Proving legal support for Staffordshire Moorlands DC planning committees, including attending Chairman’s briefings and preparing committee papers.

Client service

‘Doing the right thing’ is at the heart of Freeths. Find out more about our excellent client service and the strong set of values that guide the way we work.

Our values

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Talk to us

Freeths are a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK. If you have a query about our services or just want to find out more, why not give us a call?

Contact: 03301 001 014

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