Liam McMonagle

Following a competitive process, the firm was appointed to all eight lots on the new Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC) Legal Services framework. Thorntons achieved first place in the one-stop-shop, people and HR and commercial lots, and placed second for property, charity, and education law. It was also ranked third for international law.

The framework, which became effective last month, represents an evolution from the previous single-lot structure to a multi-lot arrangement comprising eight specialist areas of legal expertise. The tender saw leading firms vying for top positions, with rankings playing a crucial role in enabling direct appointments by participating institutions.

Liam McMonagle, IP partner, and APUC framework lead, Thorntons, said: “Securing top rankings across the majority of lots is a testament not only to our deep knowledge of Scotland’s higher and further education sector, but also to the trust our clients place in us to deliver comprehensive, high-quality legal solutions.

“This appointment underlines our credentials and reinforces our ambition to help Scottish universities and colleges to succeed in an exciting but challenging economic and political environment.

“We look forward to building on these relationships and supporting the sector through the next phase of this framework, combining expertise, insight, and practical guidance to deliver real value.”