Laura Thornton

I'm a senior associate in our market leading public procurement team.

I have extensive experience advising both public bodies and bidders on regulated procurement and public law, helping clients navigate complex processes with practical, commercial solutions.

I work with public sector organisations to design and run compliant procurement exercises, ensuring they achieve value for money whilst managing risk. For bidders, I provide strategic advice that strengthens their competitive position and maximises their chances of success.

My practice focuses on IT/technology, utilities, healthcare, and defence sectors, where I've developed deep knowledge of the specific regulatory and commercial challenges clients face in these markets. My public law expertise complements my procurement work, particularly when advising on judicial review and regulatory compliance.

What sets my approach apart is my dual perspective—having advised on both sides of procurement processes, I understand the pressures and priorities each party faces. This allows me to identify pragmatic solutions that work in the real world, not just in theory.

I believe effective client relationships are built on responsiveness and clear communication. I take time to understand your objectives and constraints, then deliver advice that's tailored to your specific situation.

I'm passionate about public procurement because it sits at the intersection of law, strategy, and public service. My collaborative approach means working closely with your teams to ensure legal advice integrates seamlessly with your broader objectives.

• Advising a substantial UK telecoms company on a complex procurement exercise by a central government customer, advising across a range of issues during this long-running procurement process
• Longstanding adviser to a global technology company, advising on procurement aspects of a wide range of public sector bids including large-scale framework procurements and challenges
• Acting for a University to procure three major transformational change contracts in its Modern Networks Programme (MNP), a key part of the University's digital strategy.
• Acting for a local authority in connection with its re-procurement of facilities management services.
• Acting for a DfT body procuring both a replacement vessel for safety at sea operations and the decommissioning of a lighthouse.
• Secondment to the Department of Health and Social Care during the pandemic, advising on legislative measures to implement social distancing.