Eversheds has overhauled the structure of its volume business to bring the standalone division into its core legal practice.

The firm's eight-partner, 550-fee earner commoditised arm, which currently operates as the Legal Systems Group (LSG), is set to be split up and integrated within Eversheds' dispute resolution and real estate groups.

LSG's secured recoveries, claims and financial services business will move into the dispute resolution team currently headed up by Ian Gray. The volume property and projects will now sit within the firm's real estate practice, which is headed up by Julie Stobart. The volume property business also includes a dedicated insolvency and collections team that works for the banking group JP Morgan.

The firm has built up one of the largest volume businesses created by a major UK law firm. Eversheds said that the move, which comes into effect from 1 November, is aimed at streamlining its service to clients.

LSG head Graham Richardson will take on a new role as head of innovation and business transformation as well as leading Eversheds Consulting – the firm's new legal management consultancy service. The consulting division aims to advise in-house legal teams on commercial and procurement issues.

The move will be seen as evidence of Eversheds' determination to bring in process-driven efficiencies into its core legal business, a model it pioneered with its high-profile partnering deal with Tyco.

Eversheds chief executive Bryan Hughes (pictured) commented: "In today's ever-changing marketplace, it is crucial to listen and respond to the needs and requirements of our clients."

He added: "By making this operational change, we are aligning our expertise from LSG with the sectors, providing a more joined-up service. This way we are able to strengthen the relationships that already exist with our clients, but also take advantage of the new opportunities that the changes will provide."