In a move that stands out against the recent backlash towards business process outsourcing, Wragge & Co is to cut up to 30 full-time equivalent support roles following an agreement with Intelligent Office.
A consultation has been launched with affected PAs, secretaries and other administrative staff following a comprehensive review of the firm’s back office functions, which was launched at the start of the year.
The firm has also started a TUPE consultation with its facilities team with a view to transferring them to Intelligent Office, which will manage new document production centres and concierge hubs.
The cost cutting exercise is said by the firm to offer its people more opportunity for career development, as the PA role will become more focussed on clients, business development and project managing the demands from partners and fee earners.
Managing partner Ian Metcalfe said: ‘Clients expect their lawyers to deliver excellent advice in the most efficient way. Our people want roles in which they can develop and which offer career opportunities. Having taken a good look at our current model we have identified a number of ways in which we can improve both efficiency and opportunity.’
He added: ‘Neither I nor the board have made these decisions lightly but we feel they are in the best long-term interests of our business. We have to change the way we operate if we are to remain competitive without compromising quality. This is going to be a difficult time for the people involved but we will run fair and open consultation processes, respond to questions and minimise uncertainty.’
Earlier in May both CMS Cameron McKenna and Osborne Clarke scaled back their outsourcing agreements with Integreon.