International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced a 12 month agreement with Integreon, an integrated knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) and legal process outsourcing (LPO) company, to provide offshore legal support services. These services include document review, due diligence, document production, and research services. Integreon has appointed an initial team of five lawyers for Simmons & Simmons but the agreement provides for additional lawyers to join the team as needed to provide flexible capacity and accommodate growth.

Simmons & Simmons will outsource research and document review work, allowing the firm's associates more capacity to focus on higher level legal efforts. Integreon will support the firm from its 24/7 Mumbai (India) facilities, resulting in cost savings in the region of 50 percent for the firm. The firm will pilot the project from its London office, and then roll it out as needed to other offices.

Mark Dawkins, Managing Partner, Simmons & Simmons commented: "It is an explicit commitment in our strategy to be a firm that is embracing different ways of working, so that we can deliver greater value to our clients. The LPO project is one step on that road." He continued, "Our clients will appreciate the fact that we have taken measures to cut costs, but at the same time, continue to provide them with efficient and high quality services that can be adapted to their needs. We are a firm driven by client relationships."