Development agency Yorkshire Forward has launched two legal service panels.

Nine firms have won a place on the two panels, with contracts that will run for three years, with an option to extend the term for a further 12 months.

The largest panel will provide advice on 15 areas of law including regeneration and economic development work. Firms appointed to the panel are national firms Addleshaw Goddard, Eversheds, Hammonds, Pinsent Masons, Cobbetts and Walker Morris.

The second panel, which will advise on company and commercial, litigation, information and property law, will comprise Leeds firm Clarion Solicitors, regional firm Taylor & Emmet, and Yorkshire firm Wake Smith & Tofields.

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said: ‘This new procurement process has allowed Yorkshire Forward to redefine its relationship with its panel firms, in readiness for a period of change in the public sector.

‘The end result will ensure a strong working partnership between the panels and Yorkshire Forward and its partners, and will ensure value for money is at the heart of the service.’