Kent secures place on Surrey councils panel
One of the first consortia to include all local authorities in a single county has unveiled its panel.
All 11 district and borough councils in Surrey have linked up with Surrey County Council to make the selection.
This saw Kent County Council win a place alongside 14 law firms and seven barristers’ chambers.
A Surrey County Council spokesman said the panel was a precedent that other local authorities in England and Wales could follow in their bid to benefit from reduced legal costs.
“It is difficult to ascertain the levels of savings which will be made because it depends on the requirements for legal services,” he added. “[However,] it is anticipated that the costs incurred will be generally reduced by between 8% and 12%.”
The spokesman acknowledged that it was still open for the various authorities to use other firms. However, he added: “Unless there are circumstances requiring councils to use lawyers outside the panel (such as know-how, conflict of interest and costing), it is anticipated councils will continue to use the panel of lawyers selected to advise.”
The successful law firms were:
- Blake Lapthorn
- Creighton & Partners
- Darbys
- Davies Arnold Cooper
- Davitt Jones Bould
- DMH Stallard
- Freeth Cartwright
- Hewitsons
- Michelmores
- Paris Smith
- Sharpe Pritchard
- TPP Law
- Trowers & Hamlins
- Weightmans
The following barristers’ chambers made it onto the panel:
- 1 Chancery Lane
- 12 College Place Chambers
- 14 Gray’s Inn Square
- 1 KBW
- 4 Brick Court
- Family Law Chambers
- Garden Court Chambers