Global law firm Reed Smith on its way to Leeds

Reed Smith Global Solutions has been launched today with an initial base in Leeds at the building Platform to open in early July.

The firm said the new office will be launched through “targeted local recruitment”.

The legal offering will see the creation of a Records & E-Discovery practice drawing on the firm’s offering in the US, as well as the hiring of associates and paralegals in key practice and industry groups to expand the firm’s offering throughout the UK.

The business services function will draw on the firm’s success in launching its Global Customer Centre (GCC) in Pittsburgh in 2003 which provides accounting, human resources, information technology, business intake and conflict analysis, and central docketing services.

“With its strong talent pool, high quality real estate, growing technology offering and 2-hour connection with London; Leeds is the perfect location from which to launch our billion dollar start-up. Reed Smith Global Solutions represents our commitment to the evolution of our working practices and to delivering high quality services, which are essential for the firm to remain competitive in today’s crowded marketplace”, said Tamara Box, managing partner Europe & Middle East.

“Our people are our biggest asset and we are committed to growing our base in Leeds through strategic local hires with disruption to our existing teams kept to a minimum.

“We have several existing vacancies throughout the business in our legal and business services functions which will form the start of our hiring and over time we will continue to assess new vacancies and whether they can be fulfilled in Leeds, London, or another Reed Smith location”, said Kevan Skelton, director of global recruiting.

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s a vote of confidence in the City Region that global legal brand Reed Smith has chosen to launch Reed Smith Global Solutions in Leeds. Our legal sector is growing at a faster rate than any other city in the UK. This announcement adds to that momentum and the vibrancy of our professional services eco-system. I look forward to seeing Reed Smith develop its presence here through the adoption of innovative working practices, investment in tech, and employment of great people from our talent pipeline.”