Clifford Chance (CC) is looking to expand the use of resource managers to ease partner workload following the successful completion of a pilot scheme.

Two resource managers recruited to allocate associates' workloads on a trial basis in the magic circle firm's London corporate and capital markets practices have now been given permanent roles, and the firm is now considering hiring further resource managers to manage associates' workloads in other practice areas.

The firm said it hoped to draw on expertise from the 'Big 4′ consultancy firms in its recruitment.

CC chief operating officer Amanda Burton (pictured), one of the architects of the scheme, said: "It has been well received by all the stakeholders involved. Our partners have said it is much easier for them to find the right level of resources and has found it has saved them a lot of time, while our associates feel more independent and that they are seeing more career development.

"They feel they are gaining a wider breadth of experience as well as feeling more informed on what is happening at the firm."

Take-up of the initiative is not mandatory, but the firm will set up discussions with resource managers for any other practice managers who are interested.

The recruitment of specialised resource managers is part of a major push to improve workplace efficiency at CC. Earlier this year it hired external coaches, known as 'black belts' in efficiency, to lead training workshops to help the firm's lawyers identify inefficiencies in the way they work. 

The initiative mimics cost-cutting techniques developed for the manufacturing industry.

At the time, the firm identified more than 80 projects that could be done more efficiently, including speeding up document review for litigation, electronically bundling documents and producing loan agreements in a more cost-efficient fashion.

CC is also looking to refer more legal support work to its New Delhi support function, through the use of resource management. The centre is expected to grow from 60 legally qualified staff to around 80.