Birmingham City Council in law panel revamp

Birmingham City Council is in the final throes of reviewing its legal panel.

The council is renewing the property, public law and social services panel that was launched in January 2002. That line-up comprises six firms: Browne Jacobson, Eversheds, Hammonds, Martineau Johnson, Mills & Reeve and Pinsents.

In addition, the council is extending the panel to cover criminal and civil litigation.

Almost 90 firms expressed an interest in participating in the tender process, resulting in the council receiving 41 bids. These were then whittled down to a shortlist of 20 firms, which is understood to have included Browne Jacobson, Dickinson Dees, DLA and Wragge & Co.

Firms are being evaluated on an 80 per cent quality and 20 per cent price split.

The review is expected to be completed next month. The appointments will last for a period of three years, with an option to increase the tenure by a further two years.