Managed legal services vs. traditional practice groups: two paths to legal excellence
Managed legal services: efficiency and consistency
MLS lawyers operate within structured, process-driven environments. Often embedded in client teams, they focus on:
- Operational efficiency through technology and streamlined workflows
- Cost predictability via fixed-fee or retainer models
- Continuous improvement using agile methodologies
This model is ideal for high-volume, business-as-usual legal work where speed and consistency matter.
Traditional practice groups: depth and expertise
Practice group lawyers bring specialist knowledge and strategic insight to complex legal matters. Their strengths include:
- Deep expertise in areas like M&A, litigation, and IP
- Bespoke advice tailored to nuanced challenges
- Long-term client relationships and strategic advocacy
This model excels in high-stakes, bespoke legal work.
Complementary strengths
These models aren’t mutually exclusive. MLS lawyers manage day-to-day legal operations, while practice group lawyers focus on strategic, high-impact matters. Together, they create a balanced legal ecosystem—combining efficiency with deep expertise to deliver high-quality support across the board.