Professional support lawyers

Herbert Smith has a team of more than 40 PSLs who support virtually every practice area. Their role is to capture, analyse and share information regarding developments in the law and legal practice. All PSLs are qualified, experienced transactional lawyers and specialists in their field.

PSLs monitor numerous information sources for news on upcoming legislative and regulatory changes. They then analyse the effect of these changes and share that knowledge across the firm. Where major changes in legislation affect several practice areas, the PSLs work as a team to assess the impact.

As a consequence of our experience and reputation our view often influences legislators and regulators when crystallising proposals into law.

"The Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) and the Court Service regularly publish Consultation Papers on changes they are proposing. We consider all of the papers, and where they impact or may impact on our practice we respond to them. It is important we do respond, particularly in areas where we oppose proposals, as doing so can result in them being shelved or given further consideration."
Ciara McDonald, professional support lawyer in dispute resolution.

In addition to the role of professional support lawyer, Herbert Smith has a number of professional support consultants. They contribute to the practice areas by providing anticipatory thinking, critical analysis and insights into key legal developments. Their work showcases their practice area’s leading-edge technical capability to clients and the market, and helps the practice and its clients be better prepared for any new developments.

Their role is a highly visible one, which includes writing articles, client communications and written briefings, client seminars and contributing know-how and technical ideas. They add significant value to client relationship teams.

Professional support consultants also support the implementation of practice area business planning, other key practice development and practice management initiatives. They are also responsible for managing the activities and performance of other PSLs and staff in the practice area or department.