In today’s global and interconnected world, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to gain a competitive edge, and one strategy getting traction is the use of offshore talent. From lawyers to legal technical skills, the corporate and law firm worlds are relying more and more on those outside the U.S. for the expertise and resources necessary to deliver their core services.

In the past, there were some perceived risks related to offshoring, such as around issues like data privacy and security. But today, India and other countries to which work is often outsourced now have the IT infrastructure, personnel, business resiliency framework and technical facilities to handle sensitive business data and corporate intellectual property, routinely doing so for the world’s largest companies. Standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules, a strong oversight policy framework and other measures are generally able to address cross-border data privacy restrictions. And reputable offshore companies now follow information security licensing and certifications, conduct routine audits and adhere to international standards in ways that typically match domestic firms.

There is significant brainpower, resource support and expertise outside the U.S. that can be key to operational success locally, including in the legal industry. The following are a few of the advantages legal teams are gaining by utilizing offshore support.

• Cost savings. Outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs can significantly reduce operational expenses. Startups and small businesses with limited budgets find this especially beneficial.

• Access to more skilled professionals. Organizations tap into trained legal resources that may not be readily available or affordable in their local markets. Offshore talent enriches the overall skill set and problem-solving capabilities of the business.

• Expanding a culture of innovation and fresh thinking. The unique perspectives and approaches brought by offshore personnel can spark creativity, leading to breakthrough solutions and improved business practices.
•  
• Renewed focus on core competencies. By offloading time-consuming and routine activities, internal resources can be reallocated toward strategic initiatives and critical areas that drive growth and profitability.

• Establishment of round-the-clock operations. By strategically leveraging time zone differences, organizations can ensure a continuous, follow-the-sun workflow and quicker turnaround times.

• Improved scalability. Organizations can use offshore support to quickly scale up or down based on their specific needs without the limitations of local talent availability.

Beyond the expected cost savings, modern legal departments and law firms are gaining significant advantages that help improve performance and promote growth by embracing offshore support. For more on this topic, QuisLex global vice president of business development Mark Wilcox shared his insight in the recent article “Six Advantages to Using Offshore Support,” published by Legal Business World.