Providing full-service support to local authorities, Weightmans LLP covers a range of issues, including real estate matters, including development projects, major regenerations, and housing and property transactions, disputes, prosecutions, as well as governance issues, commercial contracts, shared services arrangements, and public procurement matters. The Liverpool-based team is headed up by Simon Goacher, who is an expert on matters of governance and member conduct for local authorities. Morris Hill is the key name for adult social care work, and Marion Robinson‘s practice has a notable emphasis on childcare matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I would highly recommend partner Simon Goacher. He knows and understands how local government works. He is very responsive, knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Weightmans are a fantastic excellent team/practice who are always able accommodate your requirements/needs no matter what the issues or timescales may be. Their ability to be able to turn matters around quickly and efficiently whilst always ensuring the client's position/interests is protected at all times is outstanding.'
‘What makes the individuals stand out for me is their ability to be able to translate/explain and communicate issues in a way that is easily understandable to the service area clients whilst at the same time being able to come to an appropriate resolution that protects the position of the authority. I truly value the commitment and relationship that we have with the organisation and the individuals that we have worked alongside so far.’
‘Very good for local authority governance.’
‘Simon Goacher - always approachable, responsive and pragmatic in his advice, and very knowledgeable.’
Key clients
- West of England Combined Authority
- Liverpool City Council
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Wigan MBC
- Association of Directors of Public Health
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Nottinghamshire County Council
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Manchester City Council
- EM Lawshare
- NW Legal Consortium
Work highlights
- Advising West Lancashire on its change of governance arrangements and adoption of a new constitution.
- Advising Sheffield City Council on setting up its non-statutory inquiry into the street trees dispute.
- Advising the partner local authorities on the Harlow and Gilston Town project including the setting up of a joint committee for improved governance and wide ranging planning advice.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Simon Goacher