Mills & Reeve bolsters contentious procurement offering with partner hire

Law firm Mills & Reeve has bolstered its Regulatory Public and Commercial Disputes (RPCD) team in the Midlands with the hire of contentious procurement specialist Claire Crawford.

Crawford joins the firm from Capsticks, where she led the corporate commercial division team in Birmingham.

“She has extensive experience acting for and advising both contracting authorities and economic operators in all aspects of contentious procurement matters,” Mills & Reeve said. 

Crawford has previously acted for GP Partnerships and independent medical, care and housing sector clients. She currently acts for a broad range of NHS Trusts and ICB clients, professional regulators and emergency service providers. She has also advised private sector clients in the energy, education and industry and manufacturing sectors. 

Mills & Reeve said Crawford is committed to developing a nationally recognised full-service procurement practice at the firm, with a focus on government and healthcare sectors.

Her appointment will improve the cross-selling opportunities between contentious and non-contentious procurement work at the firm, it added.

Crawford said: “I look forward to working with the existing RPCD partners in Birmingham to grow our reputation in and around the area for contentious projects more generally. This is a great opportunity for me to work closely with the sector leads to identify our key prospects.

“I also hope to grow the practice even further by developing an internal network of junior lawyers interested in supporting the team on contentious procurement work.”

Jayne Hussey, Head of Birmingham Office at Mills & Reeve, said: “Claire is bringing to the team a varied and impressive background and knowledge that we believe will enhance the RPCD team. An exciting addition to the Mills & Reeve team that continues to grow and develop the strong workforce that we have built and continue to build here in Birmingham.”