Hilary Ross

The legal panel will be in place for the next three years and is comprised of 11 firms - a reduction from the previous 15. DWF and the other 10 firms will now be able to bid for all of BT Group’s external legal work moving forward.

UK & Ireland regional managing partner at DWF, Hilary Ross, said: “We’re thrilled to be reappointed to BT Group’s legal panel and to be given this opportunity to continue supporting such a valued client.

“Over the last five years we have worked closely with BT Group and supported them on a wide range of interesting projects. Most importantly, we value BT Group’s culture and desire to connect for good.

“We are particularly proud to have partnered with them on a unique joint traineeship programme in Northern Ireland, designed to break down barriers, promote social mobility and foster inclusivity in the legal profession.”

Sabine Chalmers, general counsel, director of regulatory affairs and company secretary for BT Group, said: “The firms selected for our next Legal Panel underwent a rigorous selection process, during which they provided clear evidence of best-in-class capabilities across a wide range of fields.

“We’d like to thank all the firms that took part in the review, and we look forward to working with our confirmed Legal Panel firms to help drive BT Group’s strategy and objectives.”