Cobra Legal Solutions enters into Chennai

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If Clarvolex, Paneaga and Intellevate are the top MNCs that are in Noida to tap the legal process outsourcing (LPO) opportunity in India, then the entry of Cobra Legal Solutions (CLS) into Chennai, is expected to mark the rush of many legal firms, vying for a share of the $ 250 billion global LPO pie. According to industry sources, the market is still in a nascent stage. But by December 2007, several legal majors are slated to enter Chennai, due to its knowledge process outsourcing base and the availability of an exceptional talent pool. Of the estimated 2,000 people, serving the LPO business in India, there are about 100-120 Indian lawyers, who are well-versed in US laws, sources said, adding CLS is the first MNC in the LPO space to enter south. Initially, CLS would have a medium-sized operation, that would call for recruiting about 500 people. Other smaller players include Office Tiger and Comat. November last, CLS advertised in a foreign media, for a CEO to head its Chennai operations. The description read "Legal offshoring operation looking for experienced lawyer and/or paralegal with four to six years 'big case' US litigation management experience to direct legal operations in Chennai, India. Two year minimum commitment in Chennai required." CLS, principally-owned by senior partners in major US law firms, has retained Ma Foi Management Consultants, as recruiters. It is looking for legal specialists (litigation) and legal support professionals. Specialists need to have global client servicing experience and ability to use Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw and other resource databases. Graduates with strong English skills and computer proficiency fit the legal support profile. Sources said a legal specialist, with two years experience, commands a salary of Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000 a month, while a lawyer to act as a support professional could command a monthly earning of Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000. Chennai-based law office of Mohan Associates, primarily into patents and trade marks, is also mulling to enter the booming LPO space this calendar year. "It is not a legal input alone. Lawyers and computer operators have to necessarily put in joint efforts," Mr A A Mohan told ET. Lawyers confined to Indian courts would not be suitable for the LPO work. "Expertise in corporate affairs and intellectual property is needed," he said, pointing to the three stages involved in the LPO business. Stage one, being the prior art search procedure in respect of patents, which seems to have caught on. Stage two is one of drafting specifications and here too, the huge LPO opportunity is being tapped. "But in stage III, which would mean Indian lawyers answering examination reports by USPTO, we are still in a nascent stage," he noted. An LPO job, which could fetch $350 an hour in the US, could be done for $50-$75 in India. South has 40% of the country's annual pass out of three lakh law graduates, he added.