EM Lawshare Framework Agreement for Legal Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The Real Challenge Isn't Just Legal Services
When you look at this framework, it's easy to think it's all about providing legal services. But there’s more to it.
West Northamptonshire Council isn’t just looking for legal support. They’re looking for partners who can handle a vast array of services across ten areas, excluding child care work, for over 240 contracting authorities.
That's the challenge.
The framework covers a wide range of legal services for a hefty value of £1 billion. But remember, this framework doesn't guarantee work. Securing a place is just the first step.
Don't Just Think About Winning a Place
This is a framework, not a single contract.
Winning a place is the first step. The real work begins with call-offs.
You need to be ready for both direct awards and further competitions. Think about how you'll stand out in mini-competitions once you're on the framework.
Pay Attention to What They Say
The notice is clear: this is a closed framework, running from 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2031, with extensions possible until 2033.
They’ve emphasised that firms must deliver across all ten areas of work. Not being split into lots is significant. It means you need to demonstrate competence across a broad spectrum.
West Northamptonshire Council highlights the importance of being able to provide added value services. I'd make sure to showcase how your firm can offer these extra benefits.
Think About the Consortium's Reach
EM Lawshare isn’t a small operation.
With members ranging from local authorities to universities and NHS bodies, the Consortium has grown significantly over the years. It's important to understand the scale and diversity of this network.
How will you ensure your services are relevant and adaptable to such a varied group of users?
Evidence Always Beats Promises
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for concrete evidence.
- Proven experience across all ten legal areas
- Case studies from similar public sector clients
- Testimonials from previous work
- Examples of added value services delivered
Evidence always beats promises. Make sure your submission is packed with proof, not just commitments.
Show How You’ll Manage Over the Long Term
Consistency over the framework’s duration is critical.
The buyer will want reassurance that you can maintain quality and adapt to changes over potentially six years, or even eight if extended.
Think about staffing, retention and training. How will you ensure continuity and stability?
One Thing I'd Keep Reminding Myself
This framework is about relationships.
With the Consortium charging a management fee based on a sliding scale, the focus is not just on the legal work, but on being a reliable partner.
Ask yourself, “How will we make life easier for the Consortium and its members?”
Common Mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus narrowly on a single legal area
- Fail to demonstrate added value services
- Ignore the Consortium’s diverse membership
- Lack concrete evidence of past success
- Overpromise without detailing delivery methods
- Assume guaranteed work upon winning a place
- Neglect the implications of the management fee
My Final Thoughts
This framework is a significant opportunity if approached with the right mindset. West Northamptonshire Council isn’t just buying legal services; they’re investing in partnerships that can adapt and deliver consistently over many years.
With a framework value of £1 billion, the stakes are high. The term's potential extension to 2033 means you need to think long-term.
Quality matters here, and the emphasis on added value and breadth across ten areas shows that your written submission must be robust and comprehensive. Focus on proving your capability and reliability.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.