Thorntons has been re-selected as an approved supplier to a major legal services framework established to support the further and higher education sector, placing the firm at the forefront of Scotland’s internationally renowned system of universities and colleges.
Following a competitive process, Thorntons 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.
Thorntons’ latest success marks the firm’s third consecutive appointment to the framework, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted legal partner to Scotland’s education sector.
This achievement underscores Thorntons’ breadth of expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional legal services across the sector.
Many of the firm’s longstanding education clients, including University of Stirling, Abertay University, Robert Gordon University, Glasgow School of Art, City of Glasgow College, and Dundee & Angus College, originated through previous APUC frameworks.
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."
The APUC framework typically spans four to five years, offering universities and colleges streamlined access to trusted legal advisers.
Thorntons is one of Scotland’s largest law firms and is ranked amongst the UK’s Top 100 by The Lawyer magazine. Its extensive office network includes Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness, and it has more than 650 people including 75 partners.