More BigLaw Firms Mull Expanded Use of Contract Attorneys
Major law firms in the United States and the United Kingdom are reportedly pondering new plans for making expanded use of contract attorneys to help keep legal costs to corporate clients under control.
Among the possibilities being explored are the use by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer of a new London-based service to be launched early next year, ItsMyLaw, and the possibility of creating a formal roster of Allen & Overy alumni who are willing and able to take on contract projects for their former law firm, reports Legal Week.
In addition to expanding their use of contract attorneys, these magic-circle firms—and their U.S. counterparts with London offices—are also contemplating their deployment on more complex projects, according to the article.
“We have become very busy and stretched but are cautious about going back into the recruitment market unless and until we feel the uptick has real legs,” managing partner Chris Carroll of Travers Smith tells the legal publication. “As such the ‘ItsMyLaw’ concept presents interesting possibilities for plugging the hole.”
Related earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “As Rio Tinto Saves Millions, Other Corps. Will Outsource, Too, Counsel Says”
ABAJournal.com: “Company’s ‘Craigslist’ Model Seeks to Keep Outsourced Legal Work On-Shore”
ABAJournal.com: “Orrick’s New Talent Model: 3 Stages to Partner; More Contract Lawyers”
