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For the third consecutive year, Herbert Smith Freehills has been ranked in the global-wide Chambers and Partners Alternative Legal Service Providers Guide:

  • Band 1 in Litigation Services
  • Band 2 in Contract Lifecycle Management
  • Band 2 in Law Firm LPO
  • Band 3 in Flexible Legal Staffing

Herbert Smith Freehills remains the only firm or provider listed in all four global categories researched in the 2023 guide, which covers the work of the firm’s Alternative Legal Services (ALT) practice.

According to Chambers, Herbert Smith Freehills’ ‘tailor the resources to the demand; they are very commercial and pragmatic, and the service is bespoke to the client's needs. In addition, the review noted that the ALT practice is known for ‘incisive analysis’ and offering ‘unbelievable value for money’.

Managing Partner, Digital and ALT Global, Libby Jackson MBE said: “Our clients' drive for efficiency and digitisation has been central to the strategic growth of our ALT practice. For over a decade, together with our clients, we have been at the forefront of solving complex problems with technology.”

“Reflecting on the fact that our clients contributed to this recognition, it’s inspiring that in addition to the digital products that underpin our ALT offering, they also very much value the multidisciplinary skills of our people as well as our energetic mindset. This ensures we are consistently commercial and pragmatic in our delivery – as well as a lovely team of people to work with!”

Delivering value through digital literacy, teams such as Herbert Smith Freehills’ ALT expand on traditional legal models. Recognising this, Chambers and Partners defined their dedicated Alternative Legal Service Providers Guide in 2020. Marking the sophistication of this segment of the legal ecosystem, and industry’s adaption to this dynamic growth area. 

Libby Jackson MBE, concluded: “New technologies accelerate business change for the better, and we don’t believe that law is any different”.

For Herbert Smith Freehills’ complete Chambers and Partners rankings, visit Chambers Alternative Legal Service Providers | Legal Guide

About ALT

Over 10 years on from its initial founding in 2011, ALT is now a fully integrated and integral part of Herbert Smith Freehills' international network, with a team comprising 350+ lawyers, technologists and legal analysts, located across 10 hubs: Beijing, Belfast, Brisbane, Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, New York, Perth, Shanghai and Sydney.

The ALT team provides a wide range of services – harnessing deep expertise in both contentious work covering claims management and assessment; document review; eDiscovery and non-contentious work covering commercial contracting; due diligence; verification; asset management / stream leasing; transaction support.

ALT works closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver services to clients and engages clients directly to enhance the work of their in-house legal teams and address their most pressing challenges. These direct engagements have grown substantially over recent years.

About Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners is an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world's leading lawyers. Its rankings are based on assessments of technical legal ability, client service (comprising of speed, responsiveness, clear business language and decisive opinions), the depth of the team, commercial vision and business understanding, diligence and value for money.

Key contacts

Libby Jackson MBE photo

Libby Jackson MBE

Managing Partner, Digital and ALT Global, London

Libby Jackson MBE
Lisa McLaughlin photo

Lisa McLaughlin

Partner, Alternative Legal Services, Belfast

Lisa McLaughlin
Lyn Harris photo

Lyn Harris

Partner, Alternative Legal Services – UK, US, EMEA, Belfast

Lyn Harris
Emily Coghlan photo

Emily Coghlan

Director, Alternative Legal Services, Australia, Melbourne

Emily Coghlan
Lucy Yao photo

Lucy Yao

Director, Alternative Legal Services, China, Shanghai

Lucy Yao
Zoe Beattie photo

Zoe Beattie

Head of Funds, ALT (UK & EMEA), Belfast

Zoe Beattie
Suzanne Cowan photo

Suzanne Cowan

Head of Corporate, ALT UK & EMEA, Belfast

Suzanne Cowan
Sarah d'Oliveyra photo

Sarah d'Oliveyra

Director, Alternative Legal Services, Australia, Melbourne

Sarah d'Oliveyra

Media contact

For further information on this article please contact

Mike Petrook

Communications Manager

London

Media contact

For further information on this article please contact

Collette Farley

External Communications Manager

Melbourne

Belfast (ALT) Brisbane Hong Kong Johannesburg London Melbourne New York Perth Sydney Alternative Legal Services Libby Jackson MBE Lisa McLaughlin Lyn Harris Emily Coghlan Lucy Yao Zoe Beattie Suzanne Cowan Sarah d'Oliveyra