Public Sector & Local Authorities

Comprehensive legal advice and support for local authorities and public sector organisations.

Our specialist and experienced public sector lawyers are committed to assisting with the unique legal challenges faced by government entities.

As a Crown Commercial Service Supplier, public sector bodies can instruct us at pre-agreed rates without undergoing a lengthy procurement process.

Many of our public sector experts have also worked in-house for public sector bodies — including local authorities — so we understand the challenges you face and provide practical advice to benefit your organisations and communities.

As a full-service law firm, we act as a one-stop-shop for all your legal needs — calling on expertise from our banking and finance, commercial, construction, corporate, employment, litigation, pensions, real estate and regulatory teams as required.

We’re also proud to have an award-winning regeneration team, which contains a wide range of legal experts who deliver the insights needed to break down barriers, accelerate progress and make places work. We collaborate closely with public sector partners to cut through complexity, enable progress and deliver growth.

Local authorities face a myriad of challenges, including navigating complex regulatory frameworks, managing tight budgets and responding to the evolving needs of their communities. They must also address issues related to housing, infrastructure development and public service delivery — all while ensuring compliance with legal standards and fostering transparent governance.

We’re proud to act nationally for a number of local authorities including Warrington Borough Council, Halton Borough Council, Oldham Borough Council, Lancaster City Council and Essex County Council.

Specialist, award-winning local authority lawyers

Our team is led by experienced commercial property lawyer Ross Shine. Recognised as a Leading Partner by The Legal 500 for his “specialism in transactional matters” and experience “in out-of-town retail, leisure and development mandates”, Ross represents many clients across the public sector and has been involved in various levelling-up developments, infrastructure projects and brownfield sites.

Ross leads the team in advising Lancaster City Council on Eden Project Morecambe. He also advises Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council on the repurposing of the Strand in Bootle.

Michael Winder provides expert support on public procurement matters. A member of the Procurement Lawyers’ Association, he advises contracting authorities on a range of contentious and non-contentious legal matters, from discrete pieces of advice to advising on large-scale projects.

Kim Jones provides a wealth of expertise in pensions and Helena Davies adds significant experience in property litigation.

Meet the team

Our public sector services

“Helena Davies has supported our property team for many years. Our first call for all property matters, she provides us with clear and effective advice, always with a full appreciation of the particular complications associated with the management of a local authority property portfolio. The whole team at Brabners reflects Helena’s qualities and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Warrington Borough Council