Hewitsons' public sector solicitors have extensive experience with a wide array of organisations, and have acted for dozens of local authorities (unitary, county, district and parish councils), as well as research councils, development agencies, government departments and other public sector bodies.
Some of our public sector clients have a national remit with budgets in excess of a billion pounds a year. However, our national lawyers are equally at home advising parish councils and others on important matters to them and their communities.
As collaborations and outsourcing become more common, interaction between the public and charity sectors is more crucial. We have a wide experience advising both charities and public authorities on joint ventures, outsourcing, service contracts and other collaborative arrangements. We are acutely aware of the restrictions and regulatory context for both sectors and our aim is always to achieve our clients’ objectives within the legal and regulatory limits which exist.
The work we undertake includes:
We are also used to acting as additional capacity to public sector bodies’ in-house legal advisors. This is in relation to a wide range of regulatory matters, including state aid, which has come under greater scrutiny in recent years.
We have, for example, advised public authority clients on :
We also advise public sector clients on many other regulatory issues, including data protection and freedom of information legislation. We also assist clients in the course of litigation before the Information Commissioner's Office and the First-Tier Tribunal (Information Rights).
We also advise public and private sector bodies on all aspects of the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005, including the definition of 'public task' and related licensing procedures, as well as the filing of complaints with the Office of Public Sector Information.
“Hewitsons is an impressive practice – client-focused, efficient and effective. The firm punches well above its weight.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“Great communication, reasonable fees, good value for the money.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“The firm provides excellent partner expertise at highly competitive rates.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"They are an efficient, knowledgeable team, which is able to advise and carry out work on a variety of topics."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons provided us with timely legal support adhering to the scope of the service agreed."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“I particularly liked the approach of Hewitsons in that we worked with the same lawyer from initial discussions and quotation through to completion of the sale. This meant there was good continuity throughout the project.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"In my experience Hewitsons is top of its class. It has experts in every field."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons is outstanding. It is professional, knowledgeable and efficient."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“The firm provides excellent partner expertise at highly competitive rates.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"They are an efficient, knowledgeable team, which is able to advise and carry out work on a variety of topics."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons provided us with timely legal support adhering to the scope of the service agreed."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500