According to London newspaper Legal Week, Slaughter and May, SJ Berwin, Clyde & Co and English regional practice Trethowans are among the big winners, securing a place on the company’s legal panel.

Holistic approach

The sweeping move will see the number of panel firms slashed from around 50 to 22. The decision was guided by Ladbrokes general counsel, former SJ Berwin partner Jonathan Adelman.
According to the report, Ladbrokes also appointed eight firms to cover broader work: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Harold Benjamin, Burness Paull & Williamsons, Jonathan Rose, Onside Law, Reed Smith, Dickinson Dees and Gateley.
‘There's a mix of firms on here who have been long-term supporters, and those who have really impressed us,’ Mr Adelman told the newspaper. ‘We had a stated and strong desire to work with firms that would be truly dedicated to Ladbrokes. The process was not about hammering down hourly rates; we wanted a longer-term, more holistic approach to deliver long-term value and savings.’

Client conflicts

Among those leaving the Ladbrokes panel are Ashurst and Berwin Leighton Paisner, following client conflicts or the departure of relationship partners.
The makeover will also see technology take a leading role, with an e-billing and law firm appraisal system developed by TyMetrix implemented.