Ruth Neave

Ruth is Head of Public Sector at Birketts, leading a team of over 250 public sector lawyers across seven offices.

Ruth joined Birketts in 2018 following a 30-year career in-house in the public sector, and her extensive sector experience and strategic vision drives our firm wide Public Sector Team, which delivers a legal service tailored to meet the specific needs of our public sector clients.

Ruth and her team have in-depth knowledge of the statutory framework, culture and political environment within which many of our clients operate. Ruth has harnessed that knowledge, and it drives her commitment and strategy for the Public Sector Team, to add maximum value to our clients across the sector, be it in relation to their high-profile strategic ambitions or their day-to-day work. Ruth is passionate in her commitment to work collaboratively, supportively and proactively with clients, ensuring optimal support across our full range of legal services and embracing innovation and efficiencies, so that our clients achieve their ambitions.

Having specialised in procurement, large multi-disciplinary projects, strategic partnerships and public sector governance, Ruth has extensive experience of advising chief officers, committees and project boards on the procurement implications of public sector contracts, commercial arrangements, decision making processes and how to navigate vires and corporate governance issues. She strives to ensure that our clients receive a proactive, seamless and comprehensive legal service, underpinned by dedicated client relationship management and support.

Experience & education

Qualified as a Solicitor in 1996 and joined Birketts in 2018.
Ruth’s experience in the Public Sector includes as a Principal Solicitor leading a Commercial Law and Property team and acting as Deputy Monitoring Officer.