Olswang shortlists LPO providers in preparation for new panel

Author: Suzi Ring

20 Jan 2012 | 00:00 |

• Law Firm: Olswang
• Tags: Outsourcing

Top 50 firm to appoint three-strong panel of low-cost providers to respond to client calls for value

Olswang is set to appoint a panel of legal process outsourcers (LPOs) to carry out low-value document review work for the firm.

The firm has identified a shortlist of seven LPOs with a view to selecting three to act as its preferred providers 
when required.

Olswang has previously only used LPOs for document management work on contentious cases on an ad hoc basis. However, the firm has now taken the view that it would be better served by having a panel of LPOs in place to call on when required.

Chief executive David Stewart commented: “We  have identified a panel of LPOs to ensure that we have a better understanding of the sector and to help us  establish good working relationships with our preferred providers. Our aim is to have real and innovative relationships  with a range of LPOs, as the market continues to require us to deliver more for less, and LPOs are a part of the way we can do that.”

Mid-market firms are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate that they have the capability to take on large mandates and maintain competitive pricing, with Travers Smith outlining plans to appoint a three-strong panel of organisations to outsource legal work 
to in anticipation of growing client demand last spring.

The firm is still deciding on the make-up of the panel, which will comprise either three LPOs, three regional firms or a combination of the two.

Olswang held its annual partnership conference in November last year in Madrid, with the firm outlining its strategic direction for 2012, which will see it focus on integrating its international platform, growing its technology practice globally and capturing more work from Africa, India and the Middle East, where the firm does not currently have any offices.