Law firm appoints senior procurement consultant to its “near-legal” public procurement offering

TLT has appointed Heidi Parker, who was previously responsible for all procurement matters and compliance at Cambridge City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, as a senior procurement consultant.

The appointment comes after the law firm recently launched its “near-legal public procurement offering”, which it said adds highly valuable consultancy services to its existing legal expertise.

Parker worked at the city council and the combined authority for six and a half years. Before then, she was a category manager for construction at Tower Hamlets Council and began her career in various sectors within the construction industry. She is currently working on a Masters in Public Procurement Law and Policy and writing a dissertation on revolutionising standing orders.

TLT said: “The public procurement team offers a unique blend of services to clients, combining market-leading legal advice on procurement procedure from a compliance point of view, with strategic advice and support on the procurement process to transform efficiency and add value. 

“At a time when procurement functions are facing more scrutiny than ever before, and more bidders are challenging decisions, the team looks at procurement matters holistically, helping clients to design compliance into their procurements from the outset, to avoid challenges and to prepare for any potential disputes or investigations but without compromising on positive commercial outcomes.”

Iain Steel, who leads TLT's near-legal procurement team, said: “I’m delighted that Heidi has decided to join TLT. Co-partnering is the best way for public sector clients in particular to access talent like Heidi – to enhance what they’re doing and protect themselves from a potential challenge.

“We’ve proven time and again that clients need this unique blend of legal and technical advice from senior procurement professionals, and we’re seeing an increase in demand. It’s also a great way for in-house lawyers to show they’re getting more from their law firms.”

Heidi Parker, senior consultant at TLT, says: “I’ve worked with a lot of law firms, and I’ve never been offered the kind of support that TLT has designed. It’s a real pleasure to join such a forward-thinking firm that recognises the needs of its clients and responds with the right solutions.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our clients with their complex projects, and having a wider impact on local government and the drive to professionalise procurement functions.”