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DWF announces the launch of a new integrated legal management structure within the firm

The reason for the integration of this new structure is to re-launch the firm as one of the most relevant legal service providers in the market. 

This new measure also entails the reduction of four of its current divisions (Commercial Services, Insurance Services, International Services and Connected Services) to three divisions with a more global focus (Legal Advisory, Mindcrest and Connected Services).

The Legal division brings together all the Group's commercial, insurance and international divisions. Its teams bring commercial intelligence and deep sector expertise to provide top-quality legal advice.

Mindcrest is an established and well-known brand offering outsourced, process-driven legal services, through which the Group can standardise, systematise, extend and optimise legal work. This division brings together DWF's Managed Services team in the UK and the Mindcrest business based in India and the US, which DWF acquired in March 2020. 

Connected Services is DWF's collection of business products and services that enhance the Group's legal offering. The division complements the Legal Advisory and Mindcrest teams by providing non-legal services such as claims management, costs and regulatory consulting. It also houses DWF Ventures, the Group's technology R&D arm.

"This is a natural next step in the development of our modern, global business and is a cornerstone of the three-year business plan we have developed since my appointment. We are increasingly working as a single global team, with people working closely together on many cross-border projects," said Nigel Knowles, CEO of DWF. Knowles said the new structure will ensure greater integration and alignment of the firm's staff and services, with a focus on the benefit of its clients.

The firm has confirmed who will lead the divisions. UK and Ireland partner Paul Rimmer will head up Legal, while Mark Qualter will lead the Mindcrest division and Jason Ford will lead Connected Services.

DWF professionals will also be promoted into leadership roles. Allison Page will join the Executive Board as Regional Managing Partner for the UK and Ireland. Ignasi Costas, one of DWF-RCD's managing partners in Spain, will take on the same role for Europe, Middle East and Latin America, and Damien van Brunschot will take on the role for the Asia Pacific region.

In addition, promotions have been considered for Hilary Ross, managing partner of the London office, who joins the Executive Board as head of Clients and Markets, and Kirsty Rogers, appointed head of the ESG Group. 

DWF is aware of the need to launch these measures in an era of constant change: 

"The legal market has changed profoundly over the last decade and the speed of change continues to increase. With our differentiated offering, DWF has long been a pioneer and we will continue to be at the forefront of change," says DWF's chief operating officer, Matthew Doughty.