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Burges Salmon named as supplier on Lot 2 and Lot 5 of Crown Commercial Service’s Legal Panel for Government agreement

By John Houlden Chris Simms

24 Nov 2025 4 min read

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has been appointed to Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Legal Panel for Government agreement (RM6360). Under Lot 2 – Major Projects and Complex Advice and Lot 5 – Rail Legal Services, the firm will continue to support UK central Government departments, public sector bodies and related entities.

Through Lot 2, Burges Salmon will advise on major and complex projects, helping to navigate evolving lifecycles, proactively manage risk and provide expertise across legal specialisms to support new and existing policies where established solutions may not yet exist.

With over 20 years of experience in the rail industry, Burges Salmon’s appointment to Lot 5 – which recognises the unique nature of rail law and its critical role in supporting national transport objectives – will also see the firm continue to provide specialist advice across a range of rail projects and initiatives.

Last month, Burges Salmon was also appointed to Lot 1 – Core Legal Services, ensuring the Government has access to expert legal guidance for its day-to-day legal matters, where full-service capability across specialisms is required to meet core legal service demands. As part of this appointment, Burges Salmon will continue to provide comprehensive legal services across a wide range of specialisms to support Government projects, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.

Being named as a supplier across these three Lots on CCS’ Legal Panel for Government agreement reflects Burges Salmon’s consistent provision of high-quality legal advice and its reputation for outstanding client service, with the firm’s collaborative approach and authentic, inclusive culture setting it apart as a dependable legal advisor to Government for over 20 years.

“We’re delighted to have been named on Lot 2 and Lot 5 of Crown Commercial Service’s Legal Panel for Government, alongside our recent appointment to Lot 1. This recognition reflects the depth of expertise within our team and our ability to deliver strategic, high-quality advice on some of the UK’s most complex and nationally significant projects. With a long-standing track record in the rail sector and major projects, we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with Government and fellow panel firms to provide innovative legal solutions that support public sector objectives and deliver value for taxpayers.”

John Houlden, Partner and Head of Public Sector

Burges Salmon’s Public Sector team provides specialist advice across all aspects of Government contracting, public procurement, major projects, regulatory compliance, inquiries and litigation. The firm works with central Government departments, agencies and suppliers, offering practical legal solutions tailored to the unique requirements of Government operations.

Working across the entire Transport sector, including rail, highways, road transport, aviation and marine and ports, Burges Salmon’s strength and depth of expertise covers all aspects of transport law, from funding and operations to construction, development and disputes. The firm has played a leading role in the rail industry for over 20 years and has assembled one of the largest teams of rail specialist lawyers in the UK, advising on the most important issues affecting the industry.

“Our appointment to Lot 5 underlines our long-standing commitment to the rail industry and wider transport sector. With over two decades of experience advising on complex rail projects, we are proud to continue supporting Government in providing safe, efficient and sustainable transport solutions. This milestone reinforces our role as experienced advisers in shaping the future of UK transport and driving innovation across major infrastructure programmes.”

Chris Simms, Partner and Head of Transport

Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2024/25, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £5.3 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.