Legal Eagles Embrace Partnership Model to Serve 50

Today five law firms embark on a four-year partnership to provide 50 local authorities in the East Midlands with legal advice and a range of value added services. By expanding the number of partner firms from four to five, the founders of EM LawShare – which now covers a geographical area the size of Belgium – hope to encourage member organisations to widely use the partner firm services instead of appointing ‘non partner’ firms. The consortium has been created with a mission to reduce costs and increase best value through partnership between the public and private sectors. So in addition to legal advice Anthony Collins, Browne Jacobson, DLA Piper, Freeth Cartwright and Weightmans will work together to provide a range of initiatives; including an extensive training programme, phone help lines and an annual conference. The training programme will over 25 courses cover topics such as Conveyancing, Property, Civil Litigation, Employment, Contract, Commercial and Procurement issues. Most of the training sessions will be hosted at the member firms’ premises and in the spirit of partnership many will be presented jointly by lawyers from two of the partner firms. Stuart Leslie Chief Legal Officer from Derby City Council and one of the four Panel Management members said: “The consortium, which has members from all three tiers of local government, not only provides authorities with the ability to secure quality legal advice at very competitive rates and short notice; it also delivers significant added value benefits such as an annual training programme solely for and tailored to our members’ needs.” Jayne Francis-Ward, Service Director of Legal and Democratic Services at Nottinghamshire County Council and leader of the EM LawShare consortium arrangement said: “Other local authorities have established legal panels but EM LawShare is unique in both its size and strong partnership working ethos. This truly is a model of public and private sector partnership." Chris Plumley, Local Government Lead at Anthony Collins said: "At Anthony Collins we understand and believe in local government. Our understanding and commitment runs throughout our firm and doesn’t sit in just one department or one small team. In fact, such is our commitment to improving communities that we have our own regeneration foundation bringing social and economic improvement to deprived communities. We are delighted that we have been selected to join the EM LawShare Partnership. We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues within the other firms as well as every Consortium member, contributing to their communities and hopefully becoming a trusted advisor, ally and seamless extension to their own in-house teams." Philippa Dempster, partner at Freeth Cartwright LLP said: “We are delighted to be reappointed as a partner to this very forward thinking and highly successful consortium. The Consortium has a track record of driving out value for its members and we are looking forward to taking this to the next level.” Peter Taylor, Partner at DLA Piper said: "To be involved with the EM LawShare is a fantastic opportunity and we look forward to working with members and panel firms on the work involved. We have an excellent record of working with other legal providers for the benefit of our clients and find the most rewarding relationships are those where we collaborate effectively and become an extended part of the client's in-house team. From a personal development point of view, our lawyers also enjoy the sense of co-venturing that evolves through working and building long term relationships with practitioners from other firms, which is something we look forward to developing in the EM LawShare relationship." John Riddell, Partner in Weightmans’ Local Government Team said: “EM LawShare has the great knack of putting theory into practice. When the Gershon Efficiency Review recommended public authorities to make savings through shared services, the founders of EM LawShare took notice and did just that. The Total Place agenda is now looking to make savings across the public sector by sharing services and expertise – avoiding duplication. The ambitious plans for sharing information and training under the EM LawShare umbrella will echo that sentiment wholeheartedly. It is a pleasure to work with such a dynamic organisation.” EM LawShare is the only public sector consortium which represents all types of public authorities including Counties, Unitaries, Districts, Fire Authorities, Police Authorities and registered providers of social housing. Value added services provided by the five panel firms include: Training programme: 25 plus courses a year devised and delivered by partner firms in consultation with EM LawShare. Benefits: The cost per course will be on average £80 against the £300 plus charged by commercial providers. They will be provided locally which reduces the need for travel and be specifically designed for members to be practical, topical and relevant. Website: Featuring all relevant EM LawShare contacts, a telephone helpline on all legal issues and 24/7 emergency cover. Legal precedents, Counsel's opinions and details of work provided will be included to share knowledge and save cost of repeat duplicate instructions. Quarterly newsletter: This will feature topical articles on relevant legal issues provided by the panel firms, as well as relevant news and features. Conference: Scheduled to take place in October. Library of pamphlets: Practical day-to-day guides on issues that affect all members.

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