Browne Jacobson has been chosen to work alongside the Government Legal Department providing legal services to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

The appointment, which Browne Jacobson tendered for as part of their role on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Legal Services Panel Framework Agreement (Lot 1: general legal advice and services panel) will see them advise Defra on a wide range of areas across Defra’s remit including, public and administrative law, regulatory, planning and environmental law.

The framework contract will be for a 12-month period with the option to extend for another three months.

Defra is the UK government department that is responsible for policy and regulation on environmental, food, farming and rural issues. The department is responsible for policy and regulation on:

• the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals
• sustainable development and the green economy
• food, farming and fisheries
• animal health and welfare
• environmental protection and pollution control
• rural communities

Laura Hughes who is the Browne Jacobson client relationship partner for Defra said: “We are thrilled to be working so closely with the Government Legal Department advising Defra. The department manages a diverse range of issues – from supporting the growth of a rural economy, to protecting the UK’s natural environment and supporting and promoting the UK’s food and farming industries.

“Defra is consistently looking at innovative and impactful ways to tackle environmental, economic and societal issues, which strongly resonates with our own firm values and ambitions. We are proud to be associated with the important work that Defra are doing and supporting them in their vision and strategy.”

Browne Jacobson’s government sector client portfolio is made up of local authorities, housing providers, NHS bodies, central government departments and arm’s length bodies. In addition to their work with CCS, the firm are strategic panel members to the Welsh Government Commercial Division Wales wide public sector panel. The government sector team provide a comprehensive range of services to public bodies covering administrative law, governance, commercial and procurement, property, employment, health and Safety, liability litigation, inquiries and function specific advice. The national practice is recognised nationally as ‘a true heavyweight’ in the public sector by independent legal directories, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.