Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has confirmed to Legal IT Insider that around 8% of its global business services function is likely to be cut as part of a Business Modernisation Program that global chief operating officer Trevor Varnes says is necessary as the transatlantic firm looks to embrace new ways of working, including investing in technology capabilities.
The review is exclusively focused on the global business services function, which includes paralegals and knowledge lawyers as well as technology, finance, administrative support, knowledge functions, and facilities.
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Varnes said: “We see embracing new ways of working, including investing in technology capabilities, as a cornerstone of our growth. This means taking next steps towards enhancing operational efficiency, leveraging digital solutions and market-leading technology to modernize our processes across a number of targeted and strategic investments and initiatives.”
CEO Steve Baumer, added: “As we look to the future, we need to ensure our operations are fit to support our growth ambitions and client focus. Our strategy is focused on building a stronger, more agile firm that can deliver long-term, sustainable value to both our clients and our people.
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“We recognize the impact changes like these can have on our people, and we do not take these decisions lightly. Our people remain at the heart of BCLP, and we are fully committed to supporting affected colleagues with care, fairness and transparency throughout.”
A spokesperson for BCLP told Legal IT Insider that the firm is offering enhanced redundancy packages and additional support for affected colleagues.
This news has emerged within days of the news that DWF is in redundancy consultation with 108 people in commercial services and central services redundant. A spokesperson from DWF told us: “Our strategy is to achieve long-term, sustainable growth. This includes being responsive to the economic environment and ensuring our teams reflect the changing needs of our clients. We are in the process of conducting a consultation with 108 colleagues (c.2% of the total number of DWF employees) in limited areas of our Commercial Services and Central Services divisions, and we expect a proportion of those roles will be made redundant. We understand that this is a very difficult situation for those colleagues involved and we are committed to a meaningful consultation and responding to questions or concerns raised.”
