A NORTH-EAST law firm says it has beaten southern rivals to secure a place on a legal panel.

Muckle, which has offices in Newcastle, is now on London Universities Purchasing Consortium’s (LUPC) panel.

Bosses say it is a significant success for a North-East company to gain such recognition in the South-East.

Muckle already works with a number of universities in the North.

The legal framework started this month and runs for three years, with an option to extend it for a further year.

The framework will be open to all LUPC members, which includes London universities, colleges, the British Council, British Library and British Film Institute, as well as Government agencies, research organisations, museums and other cultural establishments.

The company said LUPC members spend about £13m a year on legal services.

It added the professional purchasing organisation acts on behalf of more than 60 member institutions with the new framework covering employment, commercial and finance, litigation, property, construction and constitutional and regulatory legal advice.

Tony McPhillips, who leads Muckle’s education team, said: “This is a significant win for us as we were up against some of the largest and best firms in the country.

“Our sector experience and reputation across educational institutions has been growing steadily over the past few years.

“This has been recognised in our appointment and extends our existing higher education and further education capabilities across the South.

“We are delighted to have gained a place on the panel and look forward to working with members during the months and years ahead.”