The Legal Services Board (LSB) has appointed Lovells and 39 Essex Street as its main advisors after a tender process.

The appointments will initially last until March 2011 when a review of the first full financial year of operation will take place. Lovells public law partner Paul Dacam will handle the relationship for the top 10 UK firm.

A raft of individuals will also act as specialist advisers to the legal services body, including 1 Crown Office Row's Philip Havers QC, LG business and finance partner Helga Breen, 1 Temple Gardens' Louise Jones, Joanna Tall of legal consultancy Trading Terms and Stephanie Grundy, a freelance expert in drafting statutory instruments.

The LSB said that it selected its advisers on the basis of a range of criteria, including cost, innovation and efficiency in offering support, and experience advising on legal areas that are relevant to the LSB.

Diversity and effective communication were also considered in the process.

LSB general counsel Bruce Macmillan said: "This panel brings together some very authoritative figures and teams from across the legal landscape. The services they provide, both as individuals and as a panel, will provide valuable support to the lawyers working within the LSB. These appointments are a key step in completing the process of our legal advisory capacity as the new regulatory regime enters its first months."