Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is currently investigating one of its business support functions in relation to discrepancies over supplier arrangements.

The support group in question is understood to be part of the firm's IT function, with around six employees asked to leave work while the investigation is ongoing.

The employees include Freshfields staff and workers from one of the magic circle firm's outsourcing providers.

A number of Freshfields employment lawyers are currently looking into the matter, which has been underway since June this year.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We are investigating possible questions in relation to supplier arrangements in one of our business support functions. No client information nor funds are involved, and no conclusions have yet been reached."

Freshfields currently outsources a number of its services including HR, business development, knowledge management, cleaning and IT.

The news comes after Freshfields last week reported its 2010-11 financial results, with turnover holding steady at last year's figure of £1.14bn, while PEP fell from £1.406m to £1.308m.

The firm also overhauled its City management earlier this month with corporate head Mark Rawlinson taking up the role of London managing partner from incumbent Tim Jones as of 1 July.