New head of local government for Weightmans

National law firm Weightmans LLP has secured a leading public sector lawyer to head up the Local Government team, focusing on all local authority aspects save for insurance litigation.

Formerly Head of Legal and Democratic Services at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, Simon Goacher has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in local government law spanning almost two decades so far.

Graeme Creer, who is the current Head of Local Government and was recently described by Chambers as "one of a few nationally known players in local government" will remain with the practice as a consultant.

Simon joins Weightmans as the firm’s reputation in the local government continues to soar, expanding its client base across the country and working for more local authorities than ever before.

Simon brings with him a wealth of experience across the board, and will continue the giant strides the department has taken under the steer of Graeme in recent years – currently acting for over 150 local authorities and appointed to 11 local authority consortiums nationwide.

Under Graeme, and now Simon, the department embraces innovation throughout the sector. It is one of only two law firms to become members of the highly influential New Local Government Network think tank.

Andrew Cooper, Director of the national Public Sector group said:

“We are delighted to welcome Simon on board. He has a wealth of skill and experience in the local government sector and is ideally suited to the role. We are also thrilled that he will be joining a team where Graeme will remain in a consultant position.

“The pressures on local authorities mean they are striving to find new ways of tackling new issues; whether funding, regeneration, commissioning, or growing demand for services – and they need solid legal advisors behind them. Our team provides a first rate service to local authorities and this is boosted further by Simon’s arrival. Our aim is to become the leading advisor to the public sector and Simon’s appointment is certainly another step in the right direction.”

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Goacher said:

“Weightmans’ client-focused service and commitment to local government has impressed me greatly. Local authorities require such a variation of legal services and I am thrilled to be able to offer them all as the new Head of Local Government.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work for a firm that is so well equipped to provide the commercially-focused legal advice that the sector requires in order to face the challenges of the current economic climate.”