Travers Smith is set to draw up a formal list of organisations to outsource legal work to in anticipation of growing client demand.

The firm will review its options over the coming months and put together a list of three organisations it can use when requested by clients.

The list could comprise three legal process outsourcers (LPOs), three regional firms, or a combination of the two, with a number having already approached the firm about possible deals.

Travers is also considering using alumni for temporary periods on certain projects. The firm has previously outsourced work on an ad hoc basis using contract lawyers.

Senior partner Chris Carroll (pictured) said: "In anticipation of potential client demand, it is sensible to get to the position where we have a vetted list of people to whom we can outsource, if required. To date we have experienced very little client demand, but we need to be prepared if the market points us down that road."

The organisations selected will be used primarily for due diligence work on corporate transactional matters.

The firm previously considered outsourcing legal work in late 2009, and visited India with a view to setting up a relationship with an LPO, although this was later abandoned.

The news follows a number of offshoring arrangements set up by City law firms in recent months, including Herbert Smith's launch of a Belfast base to handle volume disputes work.

The base, which launched this week, will initially have 19 legal staff.