BT has unveiled its delayed legal panel, cutting the roster by nearly 60%. 

Clifford Chance and Linklaters are among the firms to have been dropped from the latest panel, with others including Gateley and Eversheds Sutherland also missing out on spots. 

The listed company had previously said that it aimed to "significantly reduce" the number of law firms it uses, according to a person at the firm.

Firms to have been reappointed to the roster include , Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Addleshaw Goddard, Allen & Overy and Bird & Bird.

New appointments include Covington & Burling.

A statement by BT will advise on all U.K. legal matters as well as international matters originating from BT's head office.

Firms submitted bids across twenty-one lots representing different areas of law where BT requires external legal advice and representation, according to the announcement.

In a  statement Sabine Chalmers, group general counsel at BT, said: "We continue to transform and simplify the way we work across BT.  

"We hope to foster closer relationships with a smaller panel such that firms can support us more effectively. Delivery of the right advice including the correct judgement calls requires insight into our business."

In March, BT pushed back the announcement date of the full roster due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BT legal panel in full: 

Addleshaw Goddard                                  

Allen & Overy 

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner                         

Bird & Bird

CMS                                                       

Covington & Burling

DAC Beachcroft                                         

DWF

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer            

Lewis Silkin

Osborne Clarke                                      

Shepherd & Wedderburn

Simmons & Simmons                                

TLT

Winckworth Sherwood