Libby Jackson

International firm Herbert Smith Freehills has set up a ‘pop-up’ document review centre in Perth, Australia to provide 24-hour support to clients.

The centre will initially service overflow work from the firm’s Belfast office, and will employ 30 staff who will focus on reviewing documents for litigation, arbitration and investigations.

The pilot will be operational for at least six months, but the firm said it could be expanded, extended or made permanent depending on client demand. 

Patrick St John, the managing partner for strategic implementation, said globalising alternative legal services is an ‘important strategic step’ for the firm.

‘Perth is an attractive location to launch our new offering as its time zone has good overlap with the east coast of Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe enabling easy interaction with our instructing teams and seamless co-ordination of work with our other main alternative legal service hub in Belfast.’

Libby Jackson (pictured), global head of alternative legal services, who spearheaded the project, said the pop-up is an example of how the firm is trying to innovate through providing alternative legal products and services alongside technology solutions.

She said: ‘To be able to provide this service under one umbrella – on a truly global basis with no gaps in process, timing or quality – really highlights Herbert Smith Freehills’ steadfast focus on delivering client-focused service solutions.’

The pop-up centre will bring the firms alternative legal service business team to around 300 people.