The Future of Legal Service Delivery: Hybrid Models and Embedded Teams
Managed Legal Services (MLS) have typically followed a straightforward outsourcing model: a project is assigned to an MLS partner, completed externally, and returned to the client. Today, a more dynamic approach is gaining traction, using hybrid models and embedded teams. These teams operate within your organisation’s environment while being managed by the MLS specialist partner, combining internal knowledge with external scalability. This model offers the best of both worlds for busy legal teams. Below, we explore its key benefits and practical applications.
Flexibility – the ability to scale resources up or down to meet demand, supporting project work, business as usual commitments and strategic initiatives, without overloading busy teams.
Embedded and consistent relationships – a consistent team builds deeper connections with stakeholders, enabling faster decisions and better alignment with business goals. Over time, the team move up the value chain and become trusted advisors, not just service providers.
Technology – the use of collaboration tools, workflow automation, and dashboards tailored to your needs ensures seamless integration, visibility, and accountability. These tools also improve resource planning and performance tracking.
Talent – the model provides legal teams with access to specialist expertise without the cost or risk of permanent hires. MLS partners often offer flexible career paths, attracting top legal professionals who do not want to follow the typical route into the profession.
Governance and Risk Management – MLS partners bring robust governance and quality control frameworks ensuring compliance and consistency. Embedded teams, being closer to the business, can proactively manage risk and adapt to shifting priorities.
Client-Centric – Hybrid models prioritise client needs over provider constraints, delivering tailored service levels, industry-specific expertise, and continuous improvement.
These benefits make hybrid and embedded models more than just an alternative, they represent a smarter, more efficient way to deliver legal services. Below, we share some scenarios demonstrating these models and teams in action.
Embedded Legal Team
The MLS partner places a team directly within the client’s legal function. Team members will operate like internal staff but are externally managed, over time offering contextual insight with flexible scalability.
Use Case: A financial services company uses an embedded team to handle regulatory contract reviews during peak periods.
Co-Sourced Legal Teams
The in-house legal team retains strategic control, while certain workflows (e.g. NDAs, low-risk contracts or e-discovery) are co-sourced to one of their MLS partners. This model allows division of labour without losing oversight.
Use Case: A manufacturing company co-sources its commercial contract review process while keeping negotiation and risk decisions in-house.
Project-Based Hybrid Support
For large-scale legal projects (e.g. M&A, GDPR compliance, litigation), a hybrid team is assembled with internal counsel, external law firms, and an MLS partner. This model is agile and cost-effective, especially for time-bound initiatives.
Use Case: A tech company builds a hybrid team for a cross-border acquisition, combining internal legal, external counsel, and an MLS partner for due diligence.
Hybrid and embedded models are redefining how legal services can be delivered, moving from traditional outsourcing to strategic collaboration and partnerships. By blending flexibility, technology, and deep integration, these approaches empower legal teams to stay agile, efficient and deliver real value to their organisation.