Working together is legal deal at the county council

Bucks County Council has joined HB Public Law – the local government commercial practice first set up by Harrow and Barnet Councils in 2011. The firm’s portfolio includes the London Borough of Hounslow and district council, Aylesbury Vale. County council legal staff will join forces with the Harrow-based practice from 1 July, making HB Public Law the largest local authority legal practice in the country – employing more than 150 lawyers.

Hugh Peart, shared service director at the county council, said: “HB Public Law’s success shows that it’s possible to improve 
the quality of service and 
the satisfaction of both 
clients and staff while also reducing costs.

“Our model is the right choice in difficult times, but is no austerity option – Buckinghamshire will receive a service with the best features of in-house support; strong working relationships and lawyers that understand their local patch, but also ones that can draw on the kind of expertise and specialist knowledge that innovative councils need to drive improvement.”

Councillor John Chilver, Buckinghamshire’s cabinet member for resources, said: “We want to find ever greater efficiency from back office functions on top of the considerable savings we’ve already made by sharing senior posts and support services. We’re delighted that HB Public Law can now contribute to this ongoing commitment to save taxpayers thousands.”