AwardedAwarded 6 January 2026
Procurement of Criminal Defence Direct Services from 4 May 2026
Legal Aid Agency · Central government
In brief
Legal Aid Agency awarded legal work to The Johnson Partnership and Watson Woodhouse Ltd on 6 January 2026.
It is split into 2 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
What the notice says
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has launched the procurement process for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts. These contracts will provide 24/7 telephone-based legal advice to individuals detained at police stations across England and Wales for non-indictable offences.
Two contracts will be awarded, with services commencing on 4 May 2026, following an implementation period and a 28-day dual operation phase.
Lots
| Lot | Trade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 | — | — |
| Lot 2 | — | — |
Who won
| Winner | Lot | Value | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Johnson Partnership (SME) Watson Woodhouse Ltd (SME) | Lot 1, Lot 2 | £2,360,000 | Awarded 6 January 2026 |
Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.
Timeline
- Contract award notice · UK6, notice 000737-2026
About the buyer
Legal Aid AgencyLast 12 months
Procurements
6Awards
2Suppliers it has used most for legal
- Multiple Providers1 contract
- The Johnson Partnership1 contract
- Watson Woodhouse Ltd1 contract
Similar open tenders
All open legal tenders- £200kestimated
- £27.9mestimated
- £12bnframework ceiling
From notice 000737-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 6 January 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.