The high profile deal between Rio Tinto and CPA Global has set a benchmark for the LSO industry, proving that the outsourcing model can work on a large scale. As a direct result of the relationship, Rio Tinto has already saved more than $14 million on its annual legal spend.
The awards recognised the achievements of staff in both organisations. A dedicated group of 18 CPA Global lawyers work as an extension of the global Rio Tinto legal team in the Gurgaon service centre, but the agreement has also extended beyond India into a number of other key Rio Tinto jurisdictions.
Rio Tinto’s Chief Counsel for Global Business Services, Neville Henwood, said: ‘The relationship between Rio Tinto and CPA Global has grown in significance for both of us, and for many interested observers. It is a relationship that has delivered significant tangible benefits, and is helping transform the way our legal services are provided throughout the world. Rio Tinto looks forward to continuing the partnership with CPA Global both in India and in other parts of the world.’
Henwood’s comments were echoed by CPA Global Chief Executive Officer Peter Sewell, who said the partnership ‘has shown to the world that there is another, better way for corporations to manage their legal services – and that outsourcing is here to stay’.
He added: ‘I’m delighted to see that the relationship between Rio Tinto and CPA Global is going from strength to strength. Rio Tinto’s growing confidence in CPA Global is evidenced by the increasing scope and scale of the projects we have been asked to undertake in India and elsewhere.’
Leah Cooper, former Managing Attorney at Rio Tinto and now head of LSO at CPA Global, said: ‘The anniversary celebrations represent a strong, ongoing commitment from both sides to our legal outsourcing relationship and to the Indian market. India is a leading international centre for quality legal services outsourcing and forms a vital part of CPA Global’s multi-shore offering’.
For more information on the deal, watch the Legal Week video interview with Leah Cooper
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