DAC Beachcroft is considering plans to launch a "flexi-lawyer" service, in what would be the latest such move by a top 50 law firm.

If approved, the platform would see the firm employ lawyers on a short-term contract basis to assist with work.

The considerations, which form part of the firm's broader innovation strategy, are currently being discussed by the firm's management, the firm said.

Confirming the discussions, a spokesperson for DACB said the firm is looking to "continuously identify and review opportunities to improve the way in which we deliver value to clients".

It follows the launch in June of the firm's in-house business improvement and change team comprised of specialist project managers, which is aiming to improve innovation and improvement across the business.

A number of law firms have explored alternative delivery models for legal services in recent years. In April, Linklaters launched its own contract lawyer platform, Re:link, which allows the firm to take on lawyers on an interim basis to work on specific projects.

The Linklaters operation is led by Mark Higgs, who joined the firm from Ashurst's own alternative service delivery arm, Ashurst Advance, in January.

Allen & Overy similarly provides a "global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers", which launched in 2013 and now counts more than 200 lawyers on its books.

Other firms with contract arms include Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons and DWF.