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MacRoberts

Local Government

Our Public Sector team is one of the largest in Scotland and we have an impressive track record of robustly promoting and defending our clients' interests in the public arena, particularly local government. No other firm in Scotland has connections with Scottish central and local government that greatly exceed those of MacRoberts’ Public Sector Group. 

For example, in 2016 MacRoberts provided public procurement training to 1,300 individuals involved in procurement across the Scottish public sector, including key senior management from every single local authority in Scotland. Our role advising on equal pay litigation was a similar ‘across the board’ appointment. 

Our experience includes:
  • Acting for numerous local authorities on complex employment law matters and pension schemes
  • Providing sub-contracted legal advice to Ready for Business LLP 
  • Advising on major developments including City Deal infrastructure investment schemes.

We engage quarterly with procurement and commissioning personnel from across Scotland's local authorities to discuss how they can improve their engagement with "third sector" providers and in conducting "social procurement". In addition, though this programme we have been involved in sessions with City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, Highland Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

We are increasingly working on innovations in how the public sector structures and operates, presenting on such matters to SOLAR, advising clients on the same and advising in the context of increasingly high value "Public Social Partnerships.

The strength of MacRoberts' Public Sector Group in relation to local government is enhanced due to our strong Employment, Project Finance and Construction teams, meaning we can offer a full service of all major disciplines for the very largest public sector reforms, restructurings and major projects.

  • "They're responsive, supportive and offer specialist advice. They work closely with you and feel like part of your team."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

  • "We have complete faith in their ability; they provide excellent advice with their outstanding knowledge. They are so efficient and always respond back to us very promptly."

     Legal 500

  • "The team was extremely helpful and supportive. They knew the intricacies of dealing with local government and we had every confidence in their actions. There was always someone on hand to deal with our case."

     Legal 500

  • "MacRoberts have been on the money with all of their advice."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

  • "The firm is professional, approachable and highly efficient."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

  • Duncan Osler is "an experienced figure in government matters" and "a long-standing fixture on the procurement scene", whose "clients appreciate his breadth of experience."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

  • "Very knowledgeable and responsive and quick to respond to requests for support."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

  • "The robust and responsive support given by the team is important and their personable manner and can-do approach helps us to get things done."

     Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession

Public Sector

Proudly described as the “top public sector firm in Scotland”, our team truly comprises leaders in their field, who not only understand the way government works but also how it thinks.

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