DLA Piper is launching a flexible resourcing capability in Australia through its partnership with LOD (Lawyers on Demand).

The move follows the announcement of a collaboration between the two in November last year and the more recent merger between LOD and Australian flexible legal service provider AdventBalance.

As in the UK, LOD and AdventBalance will create and manage a flexible lawyer pool including DLA alumni that the firm can use to enhance its client service.

The venture is the first step in LOD’s expansion outside the UK.

DLA Piper global co-CEO Simon Levine said the firm had had a “truly fantastic response” from clients to the initial flexible resourcing launch and “it makes absolute sense” to expand the offering to Australia.

LOD co-founder Jonathan Brenner added the collaboration had exceeded all expectations so far. “Firms are starting to realise that to do it themselves will cost them a fortune,” he said of the DLA deal.

Brenner said expanding the flexible resourcing model outside the UK required both the flexible resource provider and a firm to be “absolutely engaged and present” in a particular market. Brenner said more global expansion was likely for LOD in the future, as well as more partnerships with firms along the DLA model.

“We’ve taken New Law global and, in doing so, have created the perfect storm. Watch this space for more to come,” he added.