Linklaters today (10 March) formally launched a heavyweight combined legal operations function and graduate recruitment scheme, having first announced the legal ops function in June last year.
The Legal Operations team brings together four existing teams within one umbrella leadership team led by director of operations Stewart Chippindale.
The 400-strong function includes:
Alternative Legal Services – including paralegals and Legal Project Managers to technology specialists and contract lawyer Re:link – led by global head of alternative services, Jas MundaeInnovation – led by head of innovation Shilpa BhandarkarKnowledge and Learning – led by global head of knowledge and learning Rachel ManserMatter Pricing – led by global head of pricing Peter Sawko
Chippindale said: “Linklaters is all about delivering excellent client service and our new Legal Operations function is designed to help us do just that. Legal Operations brings together our network of business experts into a single, integrated team, all focussed on providing the best possible service for our clients.”
Chippindale joined last year as director of legal operations, at which point Linklaters said: “The newly-created role and function, has been designed to drive greater collaboration across the firm and ensure that Linklaters collective firepower is focussed on providing the best possible service to clients. The function incorporates Business Improvement, alumni and contract resourcing (including Re:link), Innovation & Efficiency, Knowledge & Learning, and Divisional Business Management.” The function is now up and running under the umbrella leadership team.
The Magic Circle firm has also launched a Legal Operations Graduate Scheme, offering young people the opportunity to develop business skills and industry knowledge.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in one of the four areas within Legal Operations as part of a two-year scheme. Applications are now open and further information can be found on the website.