BCLP launches redundancy round to 'streamline operations'

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has launched a redundancy round that will impact around 8% of its global business services staff, as the firm looks to streamline operations and refocus on growth.

The move, first reported by The Lawyer, is part of what the firm is calling a broader "Business Modernisation Program" aimed at reshaping its operational teams and investing in new technology.

The affected staff sit within the firm's business services division, which includes roles in areas like HR, operations and facilities, marketing and IT.

In a statement, BCLP said it is offering enhanced redundancy packages and additional support for those impacted.

Bigger picture

The restructuring comes as the firm continues to face pressure to fulfil the promise of its 2018 transatlantic merger between legacy firms US-based Bryan Cave and City firm Berwin Leighton Paisner - a deal once billed as a launchpad for a transatlantic legal powerhouse.

Instead, BCLP has struggled to keep pace with rival global firms.

Revenues remain below the $899 million posted in the merger year, while profit growth has been largely flat. In March, the firm announced plans to exit Asia altogether and shut down its offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The move echoes that of top-25 UK firm DWF, which last week placed 108 business services staff at risk of redundancy as part of its own efforts to trim headcount.

What they said

Global COO Trevor Varnes said the firm was taking "next steps towards enhancing operational efficiency, leveraging digital solutions and market-leading technology to modernize our processes across a number of targeted and strategic investments and initiatives."

CEO Steve Baumer said: "Our strategy is focused on building a stronger, more agile firm that can deliver long-term, sustainable value to both our clients and our people."

He added: "We recognise the impact changes like these can have on our people, and we do not take these decisions lightly. Our people remain at the heart of BCLP, and we are fully committed to supporting affected colleagues with care, fairness and transparency throughout."