Law firms opt for greater outsourcing says new report
The management of business services and workflow is increasingly utilising outsourcing in larger law firms. A study by specialist outsourcing firm Williams Lea reveals that key objectives of outsourcing include managing client expectations, regulatory compliance and cost control. The survey says that 60 per cent of law firms now see cost and demonstrating expense control as the top challenge in satisfying clients. The report highlights the growing use of centralised and shared services to support back office and administrative functions with 40 per cent of respondents currently doing so. Workflow process improvements and related technology investments are increasingly important with 64 per cent citing it as a “top three” need.
Dentons hires former US presidential candidate
Dentons in the US has hired former speaker in the House of Representatives and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich as a senior adviser. Gingrich was first elected to Congress in 1978 and is well respected as a commentator and thought leader. He joins Dentons for its public policy and regulation practice.
HSF pro-bono head awarded fellowship
The head of pro-bono for Australia and Asia at
Herbert Smith Freehills has been awarded the firm’s inaugural Kathryn Everett Leadership Fellowship for Women Lawyers. Brooke Massender plans to utilise the fellowship to undertake a course in Authentic Leadership Development at the Harvard Business School in Boston. The fellowship is designed to help women lawyers pursue leadership roles and is in memory of the Kathryn Everett who passed away in 2013. She was instrumental in leading the firm’s diversity initiatives.
Eversheds announces award win
International law firm Eversheds has been awarded the Solar Project Finance Advisor of the Year at the MENASOL event in Dubai. It was the first time that PV and CSP companies, advisory bodies and regional governmental entities were recognized for their efforts to help develop solar power in the region. The award is given to the finance & advisory organisation that has excelled in preparing successful solar project finance throughout the last year. Key criteria included details on finance structure, risk mitigation and debt equity of the finance projects undertaken by the firm.
