Hugh James establishes London outsourcing team

Law firm Hugh James has established a team of legal and commercial outsourcing specialists around former Shaw Pittman partner and ex-Citigroup senior technology counsel, Phillip Rees.

The move will see a focused team, comprised of some of the UK's leading outsourcing legal experts, develop the firm’s integrated business services strategy at its new Canary Wharf offices.

In a statement that company said the move would consolidate its position as an integrated service provider, anticipating law firm reforms and opportunities under the Legal Services Bill.

Commenting on the decision, Rees said: “Major corporations and government are now facing real challenges in the procurement cycle as second and third generation outsourcing markets develop.

"There is a growing need for legal service providers in this sector to innovate and partner users, advisory firms and suppliers to provide an integrated service.

"Hugh James has shown its intention to develop this platform through the continued expansion of its volume based services business and we will build on its delivery model to service national and international requirements in this sector."

Managing partner Matthew Tossell said the London expansion is a natural extension of the firm's decision to build integrated legal services into its clients operations: "The establishment of the London office and the development of our sourcing and procurement legal service platform answers increasing client demand in this area and demonstrates the firm's intention to position itself for further expansion in the light of future legal service reforms.

“We are delighted to have attracted Phillip Rees who is an acknowledged leader in this field with over 20 years’ experience in business process outsourcing and technology transactions. In the past 18 months alone Phillip has advised on national and international transactions in excess of £1bn."

Hugh James has 50 partners and 720 staff in the UK.