Corrs jumps on LPO wagon

Corrs Chambers Westgarth has become the latest firm to put in place a legal process outsourcing (LPO) option for clients. The firm has signed agreements with providers Integreon and Exigent, both of which already service firms and corporates in the market already.

Corrs has worked with off-shore and on-shore LPO providers in the past, on a client by client basis, but the new agreements will ensure greater flexibility for clients while maintaining a competitive environment. “We appointed Integreon and Exigent after a rigorous due diligence process to ensure we provide our clients with a real commercial advantage,” said Corrs partner James Whittaker.
“Our experience in this area allows us to work with our clients’ in-house teams to lead the LPO process, driving quality and efficiency at all levels. We expect clients will benefit from the speed of delivery, scalability and cost-effectiveness of this approach.”

Mallesons Stephen Jaques announced late last year that it would be offering LPO through Integreon to clients while Blake Dawson, not to be outdone announced it had signed an agreement with Exigent soon after. Baker & McKenzie also uses Integreon as a preferred supplier for LPO work.

Integreon has recently announced the launch of a new on-site legal resource staffing service for law firms and corporate legal departments. The flexible, embedded service is designed to help firms meet fluctuations in demand while minimising management overhead costs and risk. The new offering provides teams of dedicated paralegals and lawyers that can support clients’ legal processes and services. The professionals provide clients with LPO and other support services across multiple practice areas.

Hewlett Packard Australia senior legal counsel, Geroge Toussis, has been using LPO for a number of years as part of a global initiative. He started using QuisLex for contract reviewing in 2010 and says he hasn’t looked back. “We get a lot of value add from it … We take advantage of their quality procedures,” he said. However, he said it is important for firms and legal counsel using LPO to take time training the LPO in exactly what they want achieved at the beginning of the arrangement. “Treat an LPO as you would a new employee,” he said. “You need to put the time into it at the beginning to get the most out of it.” He also suggests firms and general counsels do their homework: “Think about what it is you require from the LPO, bearing in mind that it is not a legal firm. Visit the LPO – have a look at whether they adhere to your requirements.”

Mallesons signs LPO agreement with Integreon 27 october 2011


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