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Devolved government

Specialist legal advice regarding devolved government and devolved authorities for both the private and public sectors.

Scottish parliament Edinburgh auditorium

Overview Services Our work Our team What others say Insights

The UK’s approach to devolved government allows for distinct regions to have control over certain areas of legislation, creating a diverse – and sometimes complex – legal landscape.

With a deep understanding of the intricacies of devolved powers, and a solid track record of navigating the complexities of public sector law for central and local government, we are uniquely positioned to offer strategic, commercially focused advice.

Our team includes former senior civil service lawyers and devolved government lawyers, meaning we have firsthand experience and insights into the inner workings of these bodies. This practical knowledge is invaluable in offering our clients realistic, actionable advice that is grounded in a thorough understanding of how they work.

We advise devolved authorities on the law of devolution, including on the scope and use of their powers in the broader context of UK constitutional and administrative law.

Services

Administrative and public law

Offering strategic guidance on legal and policy matters to ensure compliance and effective governance.

Regeneration, construction and facilities management

Advising on large-scale regeneration/development projects, as well as building and maintaining government infrastructure and buildings.

Data protection and information law

Safeguarding information rights and compliance with data protection regulations.

Employment and pensions

Navigating the complexities of public sector employment law and pension schemes.

Judicial reviews, inquiries and dispute resolution

Managing legal challenges, inquiries and disputes with a focus on public interest and governance.

Major projects and Alternative Delivery Models

Advising on public/private collaborations, outsourcings and in-house service delivery structures.

Planning, IT/IP and international trade law

Covering a broad spectrum of legal disciplines to support government operations.

Policy development

Shaping public policy with legal expertise and industry insights.

Property investment and asset management

Managing government property portfolios.

Public procurement law and subsidy control

Ensuring compliant and efficient procurement processes, managing challenges and compliance with subsidy control law.

Transport

Advising on regulation, structuring, infrastructure development.

Examples of our work

Scottish local authorities

Advising on various infrastructure matters, including planning and the promotion of compulsory purchase orders.

Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company/Translink

Advising on the procurement of a real estate development partner for a 1.3+ million square foot, £500 million regeneration project in Belfast.

Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee

Advising on the restructuring of pension liabilities within a c£6 billion pension fund.

Welsh Government and Transport for Wales

Advising on emergency Covid 19 measures for rail services, including reduced timetables, fare proposals for NHS or key workers and amendments to franchising and infrastructure arrangements.

Welsh Ministers and Transport for Wales

Advising on the £738 million transformation of the Core Valley Lines, part of the South Wales Metro scheme. This was the largest procurement ever undertaken by Welsh Ministers.