For Law Firms and ALSPs the Future Is About Collaboration

A glance at the headlines over the last few years would lead one to believe that an all-or-nothing battle is playing out between traditional law firms and alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) across the country and around the world. For every corporate legal engagement secured by an ALSP, a law firm loses out, and vice versa—at least that’s how the issue is commonly framed. Accordingly, it would seem that the future will be marked by intense competition to win a zero-sum game.

In today’s market, not only are law firms and ALSPs co-existing (revenue and profits across both segments are increasing across the board), but the healthy competition is forcing all participants in the legal services delivery ecosystem to get better, faster and more innovative. ALSPs may be disrupting the legal industry, but they’re doing so in a way that helps traditional law firms, rather than harming them.

David Galbenski, EVP of Strategic Initiatives at Lumen Legal (now Lexitas), recently authored an article for The American Lawyer that addresses the outlook for ALSPs and traditional law firms in the coming years. Conventional wisdom suggests that the relationship will be a competitive one, with ALSPs and law firms battling it out for supremacy. However, as David explains, a collaborative model will likely prevail, with ALSPs enhancing—not hindering—the ability of law firms to do what they do best, which is solving difficult legal problems for clients.

By leveraging the processes, systems, and technological capabilities of ALSPs, law firms can provide better, more effective legal services for clients and continue to grow. Indeed, ASLPs and law firms are not competing in a zero-sum game. Statistics show that both parties are growing and succeeding and that trend is likely to continue. Collaboration, not competition, will mark the future. To read David’s article in The American Lawyer, click: For Law Firms and ALSPs, the Future Is About Collaboration.

Meron Hewis is the President of the Legal Talent Outsourcing Division of Lexitas. Ms. Hewis has over 20 years of experience in legal consulting, project management, and alternative legal talent outsourcing solutions. She is a thought leader in the industry, providing unique legal solutions and designing the operations of various legal programs internationally.

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