Clyde Law Firm Cuts Back Office Jobs

Clyde & Co is planning to move a selection of business services roles to shared services centres in Glasgow and a centre in Manila operated by Accenture, the firm has confirmed. The move is part of a broader trend of law firms accelerating support staff cuts.
According to the firm, certain services currently carried out by teams within Legal Support, Purchase to Pay, and IT will be relocated to the shared services centres.
Matthew Kelsall, chief executive officer, said: “We are proposing to move certain services to our established shared services centres in Glasgow and Accenture’s service centre in Manila.”
This decision builds on similar changes already implemented in the Americas, Middle East, and APAC regions, according to Kelsall. They are looking to streamline their operations and it is part of their overall strategy.
Shared Services Expansion
The use of shared services centres is becoming increasingly common among law firms, as they seek to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This move towards private capital and outsourcing is changing the legal landscape.
By consolidating certain business services into centralized hubs, firms can take advantage of economies of scale and reduce the need for redundant staff and systems.
The trend is expected to continue, with many firms exploring options for outsourcing and offshoring support staff roles.
Impact on Staff
The move is likely to result in job losses for some staff members, although the firm has not disclosed the exact number of roles that will be affected. The company will work with affected staff to explore alternative opportunities within the company.
However, some staff may choose to leave the firm or pursue opportunities elsewhere, according to officials. They will need to adapt to the changing landscape of the legal industry.
The firm’s decision to move certain services to shared services centres is a sign of the changing landscape of the legal industry, with firms increasingly looking for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency, similar to when offices are closed.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more firms following suit and exploring options for outsourcing and offshoring support staff roles. The industry is experiencing significant changes and it is essential to stay informed about legal updates.
In fact, many companies are now using shared services centres to handle a range of business functions, from finance and HR to IT and procurement. The use of these centres is becoming more widespread.
Despite the potential benefits, the use of shared services centres is not without its challenges, and firms will need to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. The firm must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing certain functions.