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North East law firm hires Walton to lead procurement team

North East law firm Muckle has appointed partner Alison Walton to lead its dedicated procurement team.

Walton, who left DAC Beachcroft to join Muckle, is a senior commercial contracts and procurement lawyer with more than 17 years’ experience advising senior management teams on procurement strategy and risk management.

At Muckle she will manage a six-strong group of lawyers advising both public and private sector clients on procurement issues. She will also support the firm’s commercial contract practice.

Walton said: “I am excited to join Muckle at a time when the public sector is likely to be leading the way in rebuilding the economy against a backdrop of a changing procurement landscape. 

“As someone who is passionate about our region, working for a forward-thinking law firm which is dedicated to the North East was the natural choice for me.”

She added: “Procurement is an area that is increasing in complexity, with the unique challenges COVID-19 and Brexit present for supply chains.”

Alex Craig, partner and head of commercial at Muckle, said: “I am thrilled that Alison has joined us. She is a genuine leader in her field who understands every aspect of EU procurement and the issues public and private organisations face.”

One of Walton’s most significant cases to date involved Faraday Developments, who she helped successfully challenge a contract award by West Berkshire Council, Muckle said.

“It was the UK’s first ever ‘declaration of ineffectiveness’ and has been described as one of the most important procurement cases in recent years,” it added.

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