The legal sector is undergoing a rapid change as law firms adopt new ways of working, delivering services, and managing their people. Innovation is the key driver of this transformation, as law firms seek to improve efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction. In this article, we will explore some of the best examples of legal innovation from across Europe, based on the Financial Times’ special report on Business of law: best practice in legal work.
A new model for legal services: Allen & Overy’s Peerpoint
One of the most innovative initiatives in the legal sector is Peerpoint, a platform launched by Allen & Overy in 2013. Peerpoint connects experienced lawyers with clients who need flexible and high-quality legal support. The platform allows lawyers to work on a variety of projects, from short-term assignments to long-term secondments, while maintaining their independence and control over their careers. Peerpoint also benefits clients, who can access a pool of talented and vetted lawyers, without the overheads and commitments of a traditional law firm.
Peerpoint has grown rapidly since its launch, reaching over 400 lawyers in 2023. The platform operates in six markets: the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Germany. Peerpoint has also expanded its scope of services, covering areas such as corporate, banking, litigation, regulatory, and technology. Peerpoint is an example of how law firms can leverage technology and innovation to create a new model for legal services, that meets the changing needs and expectations of both lawyers and clients.
A new way of working: Baker McKenzie’s Agile Working Programme
Another example of how law firms are innovating as businesses is Baker McKenzie’s Agile Working Programme, which was launched in 2019. The programme aims to promote a culture of flexibility, collaboration, and empowerment among the firm’s employees, by allowing them to choose where, when, and how they work. The programme is based on four principles: trust, communication, performance, and wellbeing.
The Agile Working Programme has been implemented across the firm’s 77 offices, with the support of technology and infrastructure. The programme has also been integrated into the firm’s policies, processes, and performance management. The programme has resulted in positive outcomes for the firm, such as improved productivity, engagement, diversity, and client service. The programme has also helped the firm to adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, as the firm was able to transition to remote working smoothly and effectively. The Agile Working Programme is an example of how law firms can innovate their ways of working, to create a more agile, resilient, and inclusive organisation.
A new approach to talent: DLA Piper’s Project Advance
A third example of how law firms are innovating as businesses is DLA Piper’s Project Advance, which was launched in 2020. Project Advance is a global initiative that aims to foster a culture of learning, development, and career progression among the firm’s lawyers and business professionals. The initiative is based on three pillars: career frameworks, learning pathways, and performance conversations.
Career frameworks provide clear and consistent expectations and criteria for each role and level within the firm, as well as guidance on how to advance to the next level. Learning pathways offer tailored and personalised learning opportunities, based on the individual’s role, level, and aspirations. Performance conversations are regular and constructive feedback sessions, that help the individual to identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and career goals. Project Advance is an example of how law firms can innovate their approach to talent, to enhance the skills, capabilities, and motivation of their people.
These are just some of the examples of how law firms are transforming their businesses with innovation. By embracing new models, ways, and approaches, law firms are able to improve their performance, competitiveness, and reputation in the legal market. Innovation is not only a necessity, but also an opportunity, for law firms to create value for their clients, their people, and their society.
