---
title: "ID 5827200 - DfE- Invest NI Legal Service Framework"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-058e82"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-058e82"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e82.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e82.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND"
published: "2026-01-13"
---

# ID 5827200 - DfE- Invest NI Legal Service Framework

Buyer: INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-058e82

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## Summary

Invest Northern Ireland has concluded a comprehensive procurement process for a legal service framework, focusing on areas such as contracts, corporate finance, commercial property, intellectual property, and others. The framework, formally titled "DfE- Invest NI Legal Service Framework," covers a wide array of legal services. It follows an open procurement method with a light touch regime and it is covered by the GPA. The procedure was documented to comply with UK legislative standards, with a completion date of 13 January 2026. The procurement encompassed services across multiple lots, with contracts scheduled to commence on 23 March 2026, extending initially until 22 March 2029, with an option to extend for an additional year. The procuring authority, CPD - Supplies & Services Division based in Belfast, ensures procedural adherence and contract management on behalf of Invest NI, the buyer.

This tender represents substantial opportunities for legal service providers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom, given its extensive scope covering numerous sectors within legal advisory and representative services. The structured framework agreement facilitates a preferential call-off procedure that favours top-ranked suppliers, offering a consistent stream of potential engagements. Opportunities exist for businesses adept in diverse legal fields from real estate to data protection, creating avenues for steady growth and involvement in pivotal public sector projects. Suppliers such as Arthur Cox and CLEAVER FULTON RANKIN LIMITED, among others, have already been activated within this framework, underscoring the dynamic potential for capable firms to significantly broaden their client base and reinforce their market presence through such government contracts.

## Notice

Invest NI intends to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of legal services to provide advice in relation to the following areas of law : 1. Contracts, 2. Corporate Finance, Debt Recovery and Finance, 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction, 4. Venture Capital and Corporate Law, 5. Intellectual Property, 6. Data Protection and Information Law, 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights, 8. Competition Law (including Subsidy Control and State Aid), 9. Procurement Law, 10. Administrative and Public Law, 11.Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change , and 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

### Lot Information

Contracts

All aspects of contracts and contract law, including commercial contracts and other commercial agreements, including but not limited to Drafting, advising and negotiating on commercial contracts (including but not limited to goods and services, novation's, assignments, MoU's , joint venture agreements and grants) and advising on grant funding.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance

All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as Drafting and advising on guarantees, loan documentation and finance arrangements and Court proceedings relating to corporate finance, debt recovery and insolvency. Also All aspects of debt recovery including bankruptcy and liquidation, Application of insolvency legislation and Post-decree enforcement including EJO processes and Banking/corporate finance advice.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction

All aspects of real estate and real estate finance including but not limited to Disposal, purchase and re/development of Land/Property including construction documentation, Compulsory acquisition of land, compensation law and representation at Lands Tribuna, * Business Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, advice including references to the Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland and Advice and representation in relation to possession proceedings. In addition, advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as Environmental law issues, Rateable Valuation Appeals, Rent arrears, Tenancy agreements, Planning law and procedure, Adverse possession/ trespass cases, Property damage claims.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Venture Capital & Corporate Law

All aspects, including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as but not limited to: * Drafting and updating of Fund Management Agreements including Partnership and Management Services Agreements, Fund Management Structures and advice on UK/EU Regulation in respect of same; * Share transaction advice, including investment agreements, shareholder agreements, follow-on investment advice and exit advice; * Regulatory Advice, (including FCA, application of Financial Services & Markets Act 2000 and Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive); * VC specific corporate finance: * Drafting loan agreements, including security an inter-creditor documentation Also including: All aspects of partnership law including but not limited to: * contentious and non-contentious partnership and limited partnership matters; * directors' duties; * company secretarial services; * operating and partnership agreements, mutual arrangements; * securities and governance matters; and * restructuring of ownership and complex and innovative legal structures and initiatives; * Government joint ventures.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Intellectual Property

All aspects including advice and support in respect of intellectual property law including but not limited to: * contentious and non-contentious support and advice relating to patents, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets and rights in confidential information, database rights, design rights, and other forms of intellectual property; * assignment and licensing of rights and commercialisation and exploitation of intellectual property; * drafting and reviewing technology licences, software and technical cooperation and development agreements; * brand licensing, sponsorship and franchising agreements.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Data Protection and Information Law

All aspects including advice and support in respect of data protection and information law including but not limited to: * the law surrounding the use and control of information by public and private sector bodies, including domestic and EU data protection legislation; * international data transfers; * data protection laws, data requests and complying with the principles of transparency; and * Freedom of Information * Environmental Information Regulations.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Employment Law Equality and Human Rights

All aspects of employment law, including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation and attendance including but not limited to: * non-contentious employment matters relating to attendance management, performance management, TUPE, redundancies, restructuring, outsourcing, changes in terms and conditions, and reorganisations; and * Contentious claims in the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunals and related appeals * Advice on issues relating to unlawful discrimination including bullying and harassment, disability and * implementation of Equal Opportunity policies and procedures * Disciplinary and grievance policy and procedures * TUPE * Termination of employment * Complaints relating to Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act In addition advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as: * Redundancies and severance payments * Collective industrial relations; * Legal aspects of recruitment; * Terms and conditions of employment; * private and public sector pension schemes; * pensions litigation; * regulatory compliance; * trusteeship; and * other employee benefits.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)

All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation including but not limited to areas such as Competition Law, Subsidy Control and legacy State Aid advice.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Public Procurement Law

All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as: * EU / UK procurement regime and all stages of the public procurement lifecycle and application of the Public Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) the Concessions Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended) and the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended); * Drafting tender and contract documents; * The evaluation and award processes; * Contract modification and contract performance; * Provision of legal advice and representation in respect of disputes and legal challenges that may arise.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Administrative and Public Law

All aspects of public law including but not limited to: * INI corporate governance and vires queries; * inquiries and judicial reviews; * public regulatory law; and * Public Enquiries * devolved powers of Northern Ireland Assembly and sub-national devolution; * local government law.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change

All aspects of energy, natural resources and climate change including but not limited to: * Electricity, gas, energy efficiency, energy storage, and linkages with other energy markets; * Energy Regulations and associated legislative and licensing requirements; * Renewable and Non Renewable; * Oil and Gas; * Waste and Resource Management.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in all of the areas of law outlined within this specification. This will include but not be limited to: * Pre-action correspondence and advice in respect of civil litigation; * Providing legal opinions as required in respect of litigation options and likelihood of success; * Advice and support throughout court processes including attendance at court on behalf of Invest NI, instructing Counsel on behalf of Invest NI and preparation of all relevant court documentation; * Binding and non-binding alternative dispute resolution processes such as negotiation / mediation / conciliation / adjudication and arbitration.

Renewal: This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002716-2026 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large, SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 13 Jan 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 25 Sep 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 5 Dec 2025 |
| Contract period | 23 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £1,542,000 |
| Lots value | £1,500,000 |
| Awards value | £1,542,000 |
| Contracts value | £960,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND |
| Additional buyers | CPD - SUPPLIES & SERVICES DIVISION; INVEST NI |
| Locality | BELFAST |
| Post town | Northern Ireland |
| Postcode | BT2 7ES |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| ITL 1 | TLN Northern Ireland |
| ITL 2 | TLN0 Northern Ireland |
| ITL 3 | TLN06 Belfast |
| Local authority | Belfast |
| Electoral ward | Sydenham |
| Westminster constituency | Belfast East |
| Delivery location | TLN Northern Ireland |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 4 |
| Supplier names | ARTHUR COX; CARSON MCDOWELL; CLEAVER FULTON RANKIN; PINSENT MASONS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 79100000 - Legal services
- 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services
- 79111000 - Legal advisory services
- 79112000 - Legal representation services
- 79120000 - Patent and copyright consultancy services
- 79130000 - Legal documentation and certification services
- 79131000 - Documentation services
- 79132000 - Certification services
- 79140000 - Legal advisory and information services

## Release History

- 13 Jan 2026 at 14:33 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002716-2026
- 5 Dec 2025 at 16:30 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080338-2025
- 27 Aug 2025 at 11:34 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051573-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002716-2026
  13th January 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080338-2025
  5th December 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051573-2025
  27th August 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.arthurcox.com
- http://www.carson-mcdowell.com
- http://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/topics/procurement
- https://cleaverfultonrankin.co.uk/
- https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
- https://www.investni.com/
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.pinsentmasons.com/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-058e82. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e82.json.