Purpose

This report is to request a
further extension by way of variation of the contract for legal
services with Browne Jacobson LLP for a further one year from 1
January 2026.
 
The contract was due to end on
31st December 2025, with the expectation that the
Council would call-off from the London Boroughs’ Legal
Alliance (LBLA) Framework. Legal Services are part of the LBLA
Framework for Solicitors and Barristers, and this offers
opportunities to access a wide range of external legal services
which has been competitively procured.  
 
However, the outcome of the
re-procurement of the LBLA Solicitors Framework has only recently
been concluded, which has not allowed sufficient time to progress a
commissioning strategy, and Browne Jacobson LLP are not on the
Framework. As such, and to ensure a smooth and orderly transition
to the LBLA Framework, including future commissioning strategy, a
further one year extension and variation is
recommended.  
 
The aggregate spend under the
Browne Jacobson contract is circa £5.13m as at the end of
September 2025, which is significantly below the original contract
award value of £17.5m. The spend on this contract has also
significantly reduced in the last two years (see section 7.1). This
demonstrates that the key aims of Legal Services to reduce external
legal spend and make savings is being achieved, representing value
for money. As such, the proposal to extend the Browne Jacobson
contract supports the Mayor’s business plan, to be
financially sustainable.
 
The extension of the Browne
Jacobson contract does not increase the original awarded value of
the contract. The contract extension can also be terminated from
1st July 2026.
 

Content

For the reasons set out in this
report and Part B appendices, the Director of Legal Services &
Monitoring Officer AGREED:
 
2.1           
To approve an extension by way
of variation of the contract for legal services with Browne
Jacobson LLP for one year from 1 January 2026, with the ability to
terminate from 1st July 2026.
 
2.2           
To note that the original contract value was
£17.5m and, due to the significantly lower than estimated
contract expenditure over the term of the contract, total
expenditure has been circa £5.13m. Therefore, the aggregate
value of the contract will not increase due to this proposed
extension. The maximum estimated spend for the extension is
£500,000.
 

Reasons for the decision

The commissioning of
appropriate legal expertise is crucial to supporting the
Council’s functions, including statutory functions and
avoiding litigation.
 
The existing contract has
provided many benefits to the Council, summarised in paragraph 4.8.
The contract demonstrates value for money as the spend on the
contract is significantly below the original estimated contract
value.
 
Therefore, the proposal to extend the Browne Jacobson contract supports the
Mayor’s business plan, to get our finances right.
 
Whilst the contract was
proposed to end on 31st December 2025, the commissioning
strategy was delayed due to the recent outcome of the LBLA
solicitor’s framework and this further extension will allow a
smooth and orderly transition.
 

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - not
recommended
 
The existing contract would end
on 31 December 2025. This option is not considered to be in the
best interests of the Council due to the added benefits of the
contract set out in paragraph 4.8. The contract continues to
represent good value for money for the Council and the Council also has access to
alternative solicitors via the LBLA Framework in any event. The
Council requires continuous access to expert, responsive legal
advice across a range of areas to support its statutory function
and other services. This further extension will allow a smooth and
orderly transition, including time to complete a commissioning
strategy.
 
Seek an alternative supplier
– not recommended
 
The current contract rates are
highly competitive and compare favourably to most firms in the LBLA
frameworks to the end of this financial year. The uplifted rates
from 1st April 2026 are still competitive given the
additional benefits of the contact. The current provider is
familiar with the Council, its processes and current challenges and
is committed to working in the spirit of partnership to help the
Council reduce costs, embed efficiencies and build resilience. The
Council is part of the LBLA, with access to a solicitor’s
framework. The Council will continue to monitor the extent to which
the arrangement represents best value through the term of the
extension.