FOI request detail

TfL Legal Spend

Request ID: FOI-1700-2122
Date published: 26 November 2021

You asked

Please could you supply a breakdown of legal costs spent for 2016-2020

We answered

Our Ref:         FOI-1700-2122

Thank you for your request received on 2 November 2021 asking for information about our legal expenditure.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.

Please find the requested information in the table below:

2016/17           £16,229,695
2017/18           £15,064,305
2018/19           £16,317,519
2019/20           £18,334,459

As previously advised, as a large commercial organisation, (employing approximately 28,000 people), TfL inevitably has a significant volume of complex legal issues in relation to general commercial and corporate matters, property, disputes and employment law. Total annual amounts are given in respect of firms who provide such legal support. TfL has a panel of external law firms to provide the majority of external legal support that is required. These firms were appointed after a competitive process and TfL continuously seeks to ensure that it achieves value for money from its external lawyers including driving greater efficiencies through securing reduced fees.

When considering the information please also note the following:

•           In some cases legal costs incurred have been met by third parties, for instance in relation to the commercial development of TfL property, or recovered following successful legal proceedings.
•           Fees paid to law firms may include disbursements (i.e. the cost of experts, counsel etc.) these amounts have not been separated out from the general legal support figures provided.
•           Figures cover the four financial periods from 1 April to 31 March.
•           Expenditure figures are net of VAT.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]
 

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