Defence body NHS Resolution has named the 11 firms on its legal panel who will handle cases for the next three years.

The annual expenditure, exclusive of VAT, for the duration of the period could be around £193m, although NHSR stresses there is no guarantee of work or the value of work. The new contracts start on 1 March.

The first panel will provide support to the organisation to manage claims under clinical and non-clinical indemnity schemes for NHS trusts, GP practices and independent sector providers. The firms in this category are: Bevan Brittan, Browne Jacobson, Capsticks, Clyde & Co, DAC Beachcroft, DWF Law, Hempsons, Hill Dickinson, Kennedys and Weightmans.

A second panel providing specialist advice on regulatory, health and employment law consists of: Bevan Brittan, Blake Morgan, Browne Jacobson, Capsticks, DAC Beachcroft, Hempsons, Hill Dickinson and Weightmans.

In a statement, NHS Resolution said: ‘Contracts were awarded following a rigorous, competitive procurement process to ensure firms are appointed that can provide a high quality service at a competitive price, ensuring maximum value for money.’

The panel is an expansion of the firms chosen in 2019, the last time the tender process was run. On that occasion, seven firms were appointed to assist, with all seven retained in the new cohort.