Managed Legal Services Explained
The legal ecosystem is changing, but the pressure to do more with less remains a familiar constant. Managed Legal Services (MLS) play a crucial role in modern legal operations by providing a cost-effective and efficient method to enhance the services delivered by law firms and in-house teams alike.
So, what is MLS?
The MLS model outsources tasks, workstreams, or entire functions to external providers. The goal? Drive efficiency, reduce costs, and free up teams to focus on higher-value work.
The providers of MLS, often also known as Alternative Legal Services Providers (ALSPs) typically fall into three categories:
Independents – agile, specialist providers offering tailored solutions such as NuCAS, Lawyers on Demand and Cognia.
Law Firm ALSPs – standalone entities within law firms, like Konexo (Eversheds Sutherland) or Ashurst Advance (Ashurst), designed to support their clients with scalable legal delivery.
The Big Four – KPMG, Deloitte, EY, and PwC offer a range of legal services, whilst also utilising their wider business units as part of the offering.
Why are legal teams turning to MLS providers?
The benefits of outsourcing are compelling for both law firms and in-house teams:
Flexibility – MLS providers have the ability to scale up or down quickly, without creating the overhead of permanent hires.
Cost efficiency – MLS providers often utilise creative pricing models (particularly fixed fees) to deliver value and predictability.
Value – by outsourcing lower-complexity work to MLS providers, teams are able to focus on delivering the work which creates real value either for their client or business.
The bottom line
Managed Legal Services aren’t just a cost-saving tool, they’re a strategic lever for modern legal teams. As clients continue to demand agility, innovation, and value, MLS offers a smarter way to deliver legal services. Whether you're navigating complex transactions or managing day-to-day operations, partnering with the right MLS provider can unlock capacity, enhance performance, and future-proof your legal function.