3 February, 2010 - Circle Anglia announces new network of law firms

Devonshires and Trowers & Hamlins have both worked with Circle Anglia for a number of years, Cobbetts and Wragge & Co are new to the Group. The broad scope of work they will be covering includes:

• Corporate, Finance and Governance
• Real Estate – both commercial and low cost home ownership
• Commercial – including contracts and procurement law
• Housing Management – covering all aspects of landlord and tenant law
• Employment and Pensions

Circle Anglia conducted the process in order to achieve value for money from its legal providers. The firms on the panel were chosen having demonstrated their expertise and experience in providing legal services to the social housing sector. Selection criteria included; technical capability, track record, commercial awareness and cost as well as team dynamic and expertise. In addition, the firms had the capacity to provide multiple teams to various locations across the Group, which has grown rapidly since it was formed five years ago.

Circle Anglia is currently in the process of recruiting a Legal Services Manager, to manage the Group’s relationships with the new panel.
Kai Boschmann, Executive Director of Communications and Governance at Circle Anglia, said: “We conducted this review to make sure that we have a value for money legal service which helps us to share learnings and expertise across the Group. The money saved from this process will help us to provide more services that enhance the Life Chances of our residents.

“We are delighted that Devonshires and Trowers & Hamlins, who have both worked with us for a number of years, have been successful in this process. We also welcome the newcomers to the panel and hope that this will be the beginning of a long and successful relationship with Cobbetts and Wragge & Co.”

Devonshires’ Chief Executive and Relationship Partner, Andrew Cowan said: "We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Circle Anglia.

“Devonshires has been committed to helping Circle Anglia grow its business since its inception and our expertise within the sector puts us in an excellent position to advise them across all aspects of their business going forward".

Wragge & Co partner, Duncan Murphy, said: "Our cross-firm team of experts have significant expertise and experience within the affordable housing sector. This appointment is a great opportunity to utilise that strong track record and provide clear, commercially-focused advice to one of the leading names in the sector. We are really looking forward to working with the Circle Anglia team."

Richard St. John Williams, a partner in Cobbetts's Housing and Regeneration Team, commented: "Cobbetts is delighted to have been appointed by Circle Anglia to its legal panel and looks forward to developing a strong working partnership with Circle Anglia in the coming years."

ENDS

Further enquiries

For further information please contact the Circle Anglia press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org

03/02/10 17:31