The legal function of music giant EMI is set for a major overhaul in the wake of the company's acquisition by private equity group Terra Firma earlier this year.

EMI general counsel Chris Ancliff, who took on the top legal job at the struggling entertainment company when former general counsel Charles Ashcroft stepped down from the role in February, is overseeing the review.

Ancliff told Legal Week he had no immediate plans to make any cuts to EMI's in-house legal team, which currently numbers around 90 lawyers around the globe.

However, following the Terra Firma takeover in May, EMI saw its central legal function, which is based in London, cut from four lawyers to just two.

The latest review, which is expected to focus on lowering costs, will be closely watched by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, EMI's regular corporate adviser.

Other firms to have acted for EMI include Addleshaw Goddard, Clifford Chance, Mayer Brown and Latham & Watkins, as well as niche media firms Michael Simkins and Russells.

Weil Gotshal & Manges, which advised Terra Firma on its £2.4bn acquisition of EMI, looks set to benefit from the review.

"We don't have a formal legal panel and are not planning on putting one in place," Ancliff added, "[but] we will look at a variety of firms and go with those that offer us the best service."

Ancliff announced in March that the EMI was to overhaul its legal function in line with a wider restructuring at the music giant, after the company rejected a £2.1bn takeover bid from rival Warner Music.

More in-house news, comment and analysis

For thousands of the best legal jobs, click here.