Devolved administration
At Browne Jacobson, we have a nationally leading team of administrative and constitutional law experts who really understand Devolution, how it has shaped the administration of the UK and its continuing influence.
Drawing on a wealth of experience advising both central and local government, we offer a team of lawyers who have first-hand in-house experience. We deliver unrivalled insight into the complex area of the devolution of powers from central government. We also advise devolved administrations, including the Welsh Government, on the scope and use of their powers.
Our clients call on us to assist them with the development, creation and implementation of nationally significant policies. These include major organisational restructuring to drive efficiency and facilitate change.
We are specialists in the provision of advice to devolved administrations on high profile, complex matters involving assessments of public and administrative law risk, based on the use of devolved powers. We establish close working relationships with our clients and operate regularly as an extension to in-house legal teams.
An example of our standing, at the forefront of this area of law, is our work as trusted advisors to the Welsh Government, on the devolution settlement, scope and use of their devolved powers in relation to the biggest issues facing Welsh society; from Education reform to Environmental and Planning decisions to Primary Care Health reform and the Covid-19 pandemic.
We are at the forefront of the UK Levelling Up agenda, having advised the Constituent Councils on the creation of the first Combined County Authority in England under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, as well as advising Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils on the development of Freeport East Midlands, the only inland freeport in the UK.
Our expertise
Featured experience
The Welsh Government
We've been instructed to act for the Welsh Government in their Covid-19 inquiry. The inquiry will run parallel to the UK-led inquiry and focus on the joint responsibilities shared by the Welsh and UK Governments throughout the pandemic, and their related responses.
A local authority
Creation of EMCCA, the first CCA devolution deal under the Levelling Up Bill worth £1.14bn
A local authority
Working with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils on the development of the UK’s only inland Freeport that will drive economic regeneration across the East Midlands.
Key contacts
Tim Edds
Partner
Laura Hughes
Partner
Peter Ware
Partner
Ben Standing
Partner
Richard Barlow
Partner
Alex Kynoch
Partner
Anja Beriro
Partner
Testimonials
"I’ve worked on a number of projects with Browne Jacobson, notably managing the legal work to create Natural Resources Wales. They have always been professional, flexible where necessary, and focused on delivering our outcomes."
You may be interested in...
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: Is it here yet?
Legal Update
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Legal Update
Analysis: National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (June 2025)
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's 10 year infrastructure strategy
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
Guide
Using AI for recruitment: The data issues
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: May 2025
Legal Update
Is the standards regime about to undergo a significant overhaul?
Legal Update
Navigating the streets: The legal landscape of low traffic neighbourhoods
Legal Update - Planning reform
All change: The implications of planning reform upon regeneration projects
Legal Update
Supporting local authorities in tackling housing challenges
Legal Update
Consultation on proposed changes to Estyn inspection regime in Wales
Published Article
Andrew Walker, Bridget Tatham: The case for better risk management
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
Press Release
US-UK trade deal: Reaction from Browne Jacobson lawyers
Press Release
Browne Jacobson signs strategic partnership with Local Government Information Unit
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to explore skills challenges in built environment at UKREiiF event
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: April 2025
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints Bernhard Maier as Head of Arbitration
Legal Update
Conservation covenants: A useful tool in the toolbox?
Legal Update
Changes to s.106 procedures required to safeguard planning permission
Legal Update - Planning reform
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Clause 45 compulsory training for members of local planning authorities
Legal Update
Government publishes response to consultation on Subsidy Control Regime
Legal Update
Making public inquiry recommendations work
Legal Update
Updated Modern Slavery Act Transparency Guidance: Key obligations and steps for businesses
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law: Implications for public authorities
Article - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: What the new amendments mean for employers
Opinion - Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Voluntary ID verification available from 8 April 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson returns to UKREiiF 2025
