First Law

Managing External Lawyers

International Bar News - Monday 31st March 2003

Managing the relationship with external lawyers may be a significant part of the function of an in-house lawyer, but judging by the initial success of First Law, the first fully constituted law firm that advises on in-house counsel's relationships with external law firms, certain in-house counsel are more than happy to get a bit of support for that part of their role. First Law Chief Executive Anthony Armitage explains that First Law 'exercises collective bargaining power, applies market intelligence and uses sophisticated protocols to pinpoint the most appropriate legal expertise, to achieve savings on legal expenditure and to secure high standards of service delivery'. Over the last 12 months, First Law has placed over £10 million of legal work.

Armitage thinks that, apart from its bargaining power, First Law's main attraction is the promise of a reduction in the workload involved in administering the tender process and, as a centralised agency, they are best placed to advise on the most competitive rates and the most suitable firms for the work.