Legal Services Framework
Framework Description
Crescent Purchasing Consortium's Legal Services Framework is a single-lot agreement that started on 30 March 2026 and runs to 29 March 2029. There is an option to extend by 12 months to 29 March 2030. It replaces CPC's previous legal services framework and gives members access to pre-vetted law firms for the full range of legal advice an education institution needs.
Context & Use Case
Colleges, universities, academies, multi-academy trusts and other public bodies use it for advice on education law, contracts, property transactions, employment disputes, litigation and governance. Members can make a direct award or run a mini-competition through CPC's MultiQuote portal, depending on the size and complexity of the instruction. Smaller matters often go to direct award, with larger panels or projects competed.
Scope of Services
Commercial Property Employment Litigation Governance
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits law firms with an education or public sector practice across commercial, property, employment and governance work. Firms were appointed through the original tender, so others cannot join until CPC re-tenders, likely around March 2029 or March 2030 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Legal instructions are often urgent, such as an employment tribunal or a disputed academy conversion. Buyers value firms already vetted on rates and quality, the option to direct award without delay, and lawyers who understand education regulation, funding agreements and governance structures.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should map which members have used the old framework and offer clear fixed-fee packages for common education work, ready for MultiQuote. Firms not on it should note the expiry dates, follow CPC's notices on Find a Tender, and build anonymised education case studies and rate cards ahead of the re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
If you are one of the appointed firms, Athena helps you win MultiQuote mini-competitions. Our bid writing team turns your expertise into answers that hit the evaluation criteria, and our competitor scoring shows where rival firms are likely to outscore you.
For firms aiming at the next round, our framework application specialists plan the evidence early, including case studies, policies and social value. Our public sector tender advice helps you set rates that win and still deliver a profit.
