Harper Macleod appointed to Edinburgh Council’s legal services framework

Martin Darroch

Following a competitive tender process, the firm was appointed to the two-year framework on all six lots: commercial, property & planning, litigation, employment, major projects & investigations, and debt recovery. It is the only firm to be appointed to all six lots.

It is one of the largest legal services frameworks in Scotland, with 19 local authorities across the country able to access legal advice. The firm has expanded its support under the framework having first been appointed in 2019. The number of local authorities able to access the framework has also increased from seven councils.

This appointment comes shortly after the firm’s selection to the Scottish government’s new legal services framework, underlining Harper Macleod’s relationship with Scotland’s public sector, it’s civic bodies and local councils. It already acts for 24 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

Harper Macleod is the only appointee to all available lots under both the City of Edinburgh and Scottish government legal services frameworks.

Martin Darroch, Harper Macleod chief executive, said: “Alongside the recent Scottish government appointment, these are two of the largest exercises of public procurement of legal services in Scotland.

“Local authorities are the hearts of their communities and at the forefront of tackling challenges such as the cost of living, delivering vital public services, and the transition to net zero. It is a privilege for Harper Macleod to be asked to support local authorities overcome these challenges.

“To be ranked first in the corporate and commercial categories for both The City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish government frameworks, is evidence of our strength, depth and being Scotland’s principal advisor in this area.”