One of Scotland’s leading legal firms has been appointed on all six legal services lots by the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC).

APUC works with all of Scotland’s education institutions on procurement activity to ensure value for money and a high quality service for education establishments in Scotland.

This is the second time Thorntons has secured a place on the APUC panel in all available lots.

The education law team at Thorntons which operates out of the firm’s offices in Dundee, Edinburgh and St Andrews came first in three of the six legal services lots and second place in the remaining three. It’s now only one of two firms to have secured a place on all six legal services panels.

The six legal service lots are Commercial Business, Property and Estates, People and HR Matters, Charity, International and finally One-stop-shop.

Lesley Larg, partner and head of the education law team at Thorntons, said: “We have enjoyed successful, mutually beneficial relationships within the education sector for many years. Indeed, Scotland’s universities, colleges and schools have been turning to us for legal guidance for over four decades.

“However, in order to stay one step ahead, we continue to invest in our specialist multi-disciplinary education team, allowing us to deliver relevant and cogent advice that considers the structural and financial constraints on institutions as well as the many potential opportunities that exist.

“To be appointed on all six legal services lots by APUC vindicates that approach. It is an incredible achievement and reaffirms our commitment to the sector while highlighting the trusted expertise of our team.

“The benefits of these appointments are twofold, allowing Thorntons to continue to deliver an excellent service to our existing education clients, but also giving the firm the opportunity to work with other institutions in areas where we have a proven track record.”

Thorntons, who were recently named Law Firm of the Year (Over 40 Fee Earners) at the Law Awards of Scotland, acts for more than 60% of universities in Scotland including University of St Andrews, Glasgow School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Stirling, University of Abertay and the University of Dundee.