Hogan Lovells has confirmed that 54 people have so far been affected by its London redundancy programme, as the consultation period nears its final stage.
The restructuring operation was announced in September 2017, with the firm announcing that 90 roles would be cut or moved to low cost centres. This was made up of 78 business services roles and 12 legal support positions.
In the most recent update, Hogan Lovells said 54 business services staff had left the London office. The Lawyer understands that a number of the business services roles have been relocated to low-cost offices in Johannesburg, Louisville and Birmingham.
A further 17 people are still awaiting their fate under consultation, which is expected to be completed by August at the latest. The departments that have been impacted include conflicts and compliance, finance, IT, knowledge and research, marketing/business development and office services.
Commenting on the UK restructuring, a firm spokesperson said: “This was a carefully considered step focused on improving our business performance and sustainability in a rapidly evolving and competitive legal market.
“In parallel with this project we have also made further significant investments in technology, legal project management and our use of artificial intelligence.”
Hogan Lovells opened its first low-cost office in Johannesburg in 2014. This was followed by an opening in Birmingham, as an extension of the London office, and then in Louisville in 2016.
Days after the firm announced cuts in London, Hogan Lovells said it had offered voluntary retirement to hundreds of US business support staff. The firm said that an estimated 400 employees, who have been with the firm for at least five years, were invited to take voluntary retirement. A small minority were expected to take up the offer of between 5 to 10 per cent of staff.
