The RM6360 Legal Panel for Government has been launched to provide central government departments with an easier and more efficient route to commissioning legal expertise
Covering everything from routine advisory work to highly complex and specialised legal matters, the RM6360 Legal Panel is designed to create better access to expert support while delivering improved value for money across the public sector.
Wide-ranging legal support
Through the RM6360 Legal Panel, you can access more than 60 specialist legal areas, ensuring that government bodies can secure advice tailored to a wide range of operational needs.
These include contract and corporate finance matters, dispute resolution, intellectual property, employment law, real estate, procurement, and restructuring. It also extends to major public inquiries, innovative project work, and matters involving significant risk.
Distinct capabilities for international trade law, global disputes, and investment treaty issues are incorporated through separate lots dedicated to negotiations, international trade disputes, and investment disputes. A specific lot also exists for rail legal services, reflecting the unique legal and regulatory landscape of the UK’s rail sector.
While the core services follow the law of England and Wales, many suppliers can also support Scottish law, Northern Irish law, and aspects of international public and private law, depending on the lot.
Designed with Government partners
Developed in partnership with the Government Legal Department, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Transport, the RM6360 Legal Panel becomes the default route to market for central government legal services. It replaces three separate expiring frameworks: Legal Services (RM6179), Rail Legal Services (RM6204), and the Trade Law Panel (RM6183). All lots under RM6360 run until 29 September 2028.
Altogether, 30 suppliers have been appointed across seven lots, with supplier numbers ranging from 6 to 12, depending on the specialism.
Flexible buying options
Buyers can award contracts either through further competition or by direct award through the RM6360 Legal Panel. The mandatory order form and call-off schedules outlined in Framework Schedule 6 form the basis of the call-off process. However, departments can still use their internal tender documents and preferred e-sourcing tools.
The further competition route involves issuing a precise specification, identifying suitable suppliers, refining deliverables, and evaluating tenders against published criteria. However, a direct award allows buyers to determine the most appropriate supplier using the panel’s digital tool and supplier prospectuses, followed by capability checks and, if an alternative arrangement is required, confirmation of fees.
Improved value for money
The RM6360 Legal Panel is in place to deliver real commercial benefits for government bodies. Discounted rates at both framework and call-off levels, aggregated spend incentives, and the opportunity to negotiate bespoke fee structures are central features. Many suppliers also offer added-value services such as secondments, training, access to meeting facilities, and strategic advisory support.
All users can benefit from up to two hours of free legal consultation at the start of each contract, helping departments refine their needs and ensure the most appropriate approach from the outset.
Supporting efficient, high-quality public service delivery
With a strong supplier management approach overseen by Crown Commercial Service and the Government Legal Department, quality and performance across the framework are closely monitored. The new panel brings together wide-ranging expertise, modernised purchasing processes, and cost-effective pricing, giving government organisations a streamlined way to secure the legal support required to deliver policy, manage risk, and support major national projects.
