Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) is positioning itself as one of the UK’s leading local government practices, helped by the appointment of former head of legal services at Bristol City Council, Stephen McNamara.
Stephen, one of the UK’s highest-profile local authority lawyers, joined just under two months ago and is now giving clients the benefits of his 15 years’ in-house experience.
While leading the legal services function at the city council he oversaw the ballots for the city’s first elected mayor and police commissioner. His experience covers all aspects of law and practice as it affects the public sector and, in particular, local authorities.
In the past six months the team has also been joined by Ed Reynolds from Bristol City Council, as an associate specialising in EU procurement.
Stephen said: “I have seen first-hand how any change affects local government. I also understand the sector and can talk the language. Many local authorities are in a state of flux and change with pressures to reduce budgets, staffing levels, and levels of outsourcing.
My experience and that of VWV as a firm, makes for cutting-edge legal advice for authorities faced with increasingly difficult decisions.”
VWV’s head of public sector, David Hansom, added: “With Stephen’s help, VWV is going from strength to strength in our services to local government. Our innovative new products include an ‘emergency service’ phone triage to deal with urgent queries.
“We are already known nationally for our work in the sector and are on track to achieve our ambition as one of the leading firms in the sectors.”
Pictured, from left: David Hansom and VWV managing partner Simon Heald welcome Stephen McNamara
