Legal Services framework 2023 (SP-22-011)
Framework Description
The Legal Services Framework 2023 (SP-22-011) is the Scottish Government's second-generation framework for external legal advice to central government bodies. It runs from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027 and has six lots, covering commercial, debt recovery, litigation, major infrastructure and property work, plus a one-stop-shop lot that combines all five.
Context & Use Case
Scottish central government organisations use it when they need external solicitors, for example on contracts, disputes, inquiries or property transactions. Instructions below £20,000 can be made by ranked direct award; larger matters go to mini-competition among the firms on the relevant lot, where the rates quoted on the framework are maximums that firms can improve on.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Contract, commercial and corporate Lot 2: Debt recovery Lot 3: Litigation, reparation, employment and inquiries Lot 4: Major infrastructure and commercial projects Lot 5: Property and related matters Lot 6: One-stop shop covering Lots 1 to 5
Lots
Lot 1: Contract, commercial and corporate; Lot 2: Debt recovery; Lot 3: Litigation, reparation, employment and inquiries; Lot 4: Major infrastructure and commercial projects (and related litigation); Lot 5: Property and related matters; Lot 6: One stop shop (incorporating all of the services in lots 1 to 5)
Who Can Apply
Scottish law firms and UK firms with Scots law capability suit this framework, from niche debt recovery practices to full-service firms for the one-stop-shop lot. It is closed to new applications until it is re-tendered, which is likely to be around 31 August 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers save time because firms' backgrounds were assessed at framework stage, and direct award under £20,000 lets them instruct quickly on small matters. Maximum rates set a ceiling on fees, and mini-competition on larger matters gives them a chance to get better value.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should prepare for mini-competitions with matter-specific approaches and competitive capped rates. Firms not on the framework should plan for the re-tender ahead of 31 August 2027: decide which lots fit your practice, gather public sector matter examples and partner CVs, and watch the Scottish Government's legal services framework page for news of the next procurement.
How Athena Can Help
Legal tenders are often lost on generic answers about expertise. Before the 2027 re-tender opens, Athena's framework application writers help law firms choose lots, turn matter experience into evidence evaluators can score and check every answer for compliance before submission.
For firms already appointed, our mini-competition bid team builds matter-specific responses and fee proposals, and our legal sector bid advice helps decide which mini-competitions to prioritise, so partner time goes where you are strongest.
