It is increasingly common for public authorities to buy in consultancy services. One category of services that has increased recently is legal services. Public authorities purchase legal advice because they need to solve specific legal problems, but also to strengthen their administrative law skills, or for support in awarding grants and in certain types of decision-making. There are several risks associated with the purchase of legal services by public authorities. Public authorities are expected to know the applicable law in their field - it is a matter of legal certainty that public authorities independently, objectively and impartially interpret and apply the applicable law. A particular risk exists when authorities purchase legal advice in connection with the development of regulations or in the exercise of public authority, e.g. in supervision, or in the granting of permits and subsidies. Administrative tasks involving the exercise of public authority may only be transferred to others if there is an explicit legal basis. The project will collect data on the use of legal advice by government agencies and investigate what the legal boundaries are, especially in the exercise of public authority and the development of regulations. The research aims to increase knowledge of current law and the risks that can arise when legal expertise is sought outside the walls of the authority. The project is expected to contribute new knowledge to the legal literature where there is currently a lack of research on the use of consultants by public authorities and, on a practical level, offer guidance when procuring legal services.