Legal Outsourcing Events on Two Continents

Back in June, Legalweek.com reported on Eversheds' alliance with South African law firm Routledge Modise.

According to the article,

"Eversheds has pinpointed the firm as an especially lucrative partner because, in addition to the low cost-base, the country has a similar legal system and native English-speaking lawyers."

Click here for the full article.

I raised the question in my blog (click here for the original piece) as to whether South Africa could ever emerge from India’s shadow and launch a challenge as the LPO destination of choice.

Well, while I was flying cross country to Orlando, for the Florida Bar, Legal Outsourcing in India conference, 8000 miles away my former senior partner, Kerry Underwood, of Underwoods Solicitors, was hosting the South African Legal Process Outsourcing Association’s (SALPOA) first meeting.

I have paraphrased below, some of the Association’s key aims and adjectives:

1. Act as a catalyst for the promotion and facilitation of the growth of the LPO industry in South Africa

2. Engage with the various bodies having an interest in the promotion of LPO

3. Conduct and facilitate research on various technology and other issues relevant to LPO in South Africa

4. Understand the needs of potential clients in the corporate and legal sectors of the United States and other potential markets

5. Encourage and support broad participation by players in South Africa and the region by providing education and support

As for the Florida Bar event, despite a less than stellar attendance, delegates were treated to a conversation that has clearly progressed beyond the theoretical, to the practical. Panelists provided real life case studies both in the document review and patent support outsourcing arenas. The event was filmed and the materials are available for purchase through the Florida Bar Association website.