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Simon joined Weightmans in February 2013 to head up the Local Government team. 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.

He has led on significant projects including an innovative housing stock transfer at Wirral Council and on the promotion of a private Act of Parliament. He was awarded the title of Local Government Young Solicitor of the year in 2006. As Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer at Wirral Council, Simon was the lead legal adviser for key projects including regeneration schemes in New Brighton and Birkenhead.

In 2009, he was appointed Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer of the newly created Cheshire West and Chester Council. This involved the creation of a single authority from four councils. Simon has been a member of the projects boards for a number of major projects including the creation of Council-owned companies, as well as significant outsourcing and regeneration projects.

Simon is a go-to adviser for authorities on significant governance and vires issues throughout the country including carrying out independent reviews on sensitive and high profile issues.

He is a leading practitioner on member conduct and has carried out a number of significant investigations on behalf of local authorities into the behaviour of elected members.

Sectors:

  • Simon Goacher is really excellent and really knows how local governments work. He has been inside the machine, and he really knows his stuff.

    Chambers and Partners 2025

  • Simon Goacher is a very experienced and knowledgeable local government specialist.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Simon gives an excellent level of service and clarity in advice.

    Chambers and Partners 2025

  • Simon is very well regarded in the local government sector.

    Chambers and Partners 2025

  • Very knowledgeable on LGPS Regs, and thorough in advice provided and suggestions on how to manage challenges. Readily contactable giving reassurance that we can get advice when needed, even with limited notice.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Excellent and pragmatic at all times.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Very knowledgeable in local government law.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Simon's advice is absolutely invaluable - he has such an astute view of working in a political environment. I rate him highly and we couldn't do what we do as a council without him.

    Chambers and Partners 2024

  • Simon Goacher is very well regarded within the local government legal community. He has local government experience that spans the public and private sector.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Good understanding of the different issues relevant to local government instructions.

    Legal 500 2024

  • He is always good at accessing the advice we need from different departments and ensures the jigsaw pieces fit together for us.

    Chambers and Partners 2023

  • I would highly recommend partner Simon Goacher. He knows and understands how local government works. He is very responsive, knowledgeable and experienced.

    Legal 500 2025

  • Simon Goacher - always approachable, responsive and pragmatic in his advice, and very knowledgeable.

    Legal 500 2025

  • He is a very approachable, capable and knowledgeable lawyer providing pragmatic, sensible advice in the area of local authority governance and decision-making.

    Chambers and Partners 2025