Our specialist public sector team comprises lawyers with specific sector knowledge who deliver practical, commercial and clear advice within the context of the political and regulatory environment within which our clients operate.
We advise a full range of public sector bodies, including central and local government, police authorities, education bodies, NHS Trusts, Park Authorities and registered providers of social housing.
With over 250 lawyers in Birketts’ public sector team, our specialist expertise includes the full spectrum of legal disciplines, delivered to our clients through a highly personal and tailored service.
We work collaboratively with our public sector clients to deliver their goals, be it high profile strategic projects, which add value, generate income, and support regeneration or smaller scale initiatives delivering benefit to local communities.
Our unique approach to the provision of legal services to the public sector sets us apart from other firms. We adapt our way of working to suit client specific needs. Rather than just acting on discrete matters, we can provide and proactively manage a holistic legal service which feels to our clients like having their own in-house legal team.
For many of our clients we set up bespoke multi-disciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive legal service. Each specialist team has a team leader with responsibility for the delivery of work.
Our proactive client management service means that we offer a single point of instruction and administrative support, streamlining the way in which clients instruct us. We have regular client meetings and provide detailed monthly matter management reporting tailored according to each client’s specific needs.
Training
We regularly provide training sessions on a range of topics such as procurement, planning, employment, local government reorganisation, housing and construction law.
We can tailor our training to meet specific client requirements and run bespoke workshops and seminars.
Recent work highlights
Advised Brentwood Borough Council on all aspects of its Strategic Housing Delivery Programme, including the regeneration of Brookfield Close and Courage Court and the development of a range of smaller HRA sites.
Acting for Thurrock Borough Council in fraud claims against Rockfire Capital Limited, in liquidation, relating to investments in solar assets by the Council.
Advised the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in relation to their successful defence of a racial harassment Employment Tribunal claim where the Claimant was seeking an award in excess of £1m.
Advising the Teaching Regulation Agency in relation to professional conduct panels and the statutory regime regulating the teaching profession.
Acted for South Norfolk Council in a dispute concerning the unauthorised development of an on-farm anaerobic digestor plant.
Key Contacts
Accreditations
Legal 500 [UK 2026]
Top Tier
Birketts have a very knowledgeable team of lawyers. They have excellent commercial awareness and their advice is pragmatic and solution-focussed. They have a breadth of experience and provide us with a high-quality level of service.
Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council