It’s not only about managing your legal spend, it’s also about efficient ways of working. Norton Rose Fulbright provides general counsel with more choice and flexibility around scoping and pricing. To streamline processes, we have developed an alternative resourcing model, including the opening of a legal process hub in Newcastle, UK.
A key aim for the Newcastle Hub is to enhance our ability to work differently. Our model is supported by a framework of processes, mapped workflows, defined roles, tested methodologies and complimentary technology tools. The Hub provides value to our clients in the following ways:
Delivering high quality commoditised services
The concept underlying the Hub is to deliver a Norton Rose Fulbright standard of service in areas that would otherwise be un-economic, or to provide our existing services in a more efficient and cost effective way. Through the Hub, we are able to service high volumes of commoditised or process-driven work without sacrificing the quality or client experience. Legal experts at the top level inform the approach lower down, while members of the team operating in the Hub have the ability to escalate queries or issues as complexity requires.
Process design and optimisation
Our approach is to consult with clients to fully understand their business needs as this informs our approach to developing a solution. We first disaggregate the existing process to its lowest level and then reengineer it using a blend of process optimisation, skilled resources and technology.
Cost effective services
The controlled approach to process delivery in the Hub allows us to deliver cost effective pricing to clients by optimising processes, increasing efficiencies and continually improving services over time.
The Newcastle Hub is also where new technologies are piloted and large datasets are collected and analysed. Since the Hub was formed in 2016, we have trialled competing software in order to enhance the way we work and the product we can deliver, particularly the time it takes to undertake many legal processes. At present the technologies provide efficiencies when used as a supplementary tool. We know the more we can integrate the technology and contribute to its development, the greater we can enhance our clients’ experience. In addition, by developing the way we deliver our legal processes and delivering these using a team of specialists, we are able to draw upon the benefits of repeat exposure, ensuring an efficient and high-quality product for our clients.
During the upcoming General Counsel Netherlands Annual Conference we will host a roundtable where we will discuss new ways of working for GCs, focussing on legal process management and based on case studies and best practice with our clients.
If you are interested in learning more about working differently and you want to be inspired by success stories from other companies? Then join us at Annual General Counsel NL Conference!
