Outsourcing to Grow: Adlanter’s Vision on the New Collaboration Model in the Legal Sector

The Spanish legal sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Law firms must now excel not only in the legal field, but also in management, technology, and operational efficiency. In this context, the outsourcing of services has become an essential lever to grow, innovate, and remain competitive.

This was one of the key conclusions of the roundtable organized by Confilegal, which featured José Luis Rivas, CEO of Adlanter; David Sandoval, Corporate Director at Toda & Nel·lo; and Vicente Franco, Managing Partner of Operations at Across Legal. The event explored how strategic collaboration between firms and specialized partners is redefining the legal profession.

From the traditional law firm to a business-driven model

According to José Luis Rivas, outsourcing is not only an economic decision but a structural shift that enables firms to focus on what truly matters: strategic client advisory. “Today, many firms have already moved away from the internal management of administrative tasks — such as payroll or accounting — and outsource them, just like any other company. But now the challenge goes further: parts of legal work are also being outsourced to gain efficiency and quality,” he stated during his intervention.

“Outsourcing frees up resources and enables a focus on what truly matters: strategic client advisory.” — José Luis Rivas, CEO of Adlanter

Rivas’ perspective stems from an undeniable reality: the legal profession can no longer operate outside business management principles. Firms that embrace professionalization and external collaboration are better positioned to adapt to technological change, increasing regulatory complexity, and clients’ demand for immediacy.

A strategic partner, not just a provider

One of the key ideas emphasized by the CEO of Adlanter was the importance of collaboration as a strategic and trust-based relationship, far from the traditional concept of subcontracting.

“At Adlanter we are not a law firm nor do we compete with them; our client is always the law firm itself. We operate as a partner that contributes knowledge, technology, and security, supporting firms throughout their growth,” Rivas explained.

In this regard, Adlanter provides its partners with a certified ISO 27001 technological infrastructure, shared management platforms, and a working model focused on transparency, traceability, and personalization. Each firm has an account manager who coordinates the relationship and ensures a continuous, high-quality service.

“We combine two key pillars: certified technological security and personalized management, which enables us to deliver an agile, reliable service aligned with each firm’s needs.” — José Luis Rivas, CEO of Adlanter

Outsourcing to gain specialization and agility

Rivas also highlighted the competitive advantages of outsourcing highly specialized services such as cybersecurity, Legal Project Management, or digital marketing. “These are areas evolving at a tremendous pace. Outsourcing allows firms to incorporate updated talent, cross-functional knowledge, and cutting-edge technology without assuming major structural costs,” he noted.

The collaboration between Adlanter and Toda & Nel·lo, referenced during the discussion, illustrates this model well: while the firm oversees the strategic direction of the legal project, Adlanter manages all operational and administrative tasks, ensuring precise execution of every process.

Trust as the foundation of collaboration

For Adlanter’s CEO, the true success of an outsourcing model lies in mutual trust and process clarity. “The human factor remains essential. Technology brings efficiency, but people ensure proximity, communication, and ongoing improvement. Only then can a collaboration evolve into a long-term partnership,” he emphasized.

“Real efficiency comes when collaboration grows and solidifies — not only through occasional assignments, but through a continuous relationship that enables joint evolution and improvement.” — José Luis Rivas, CEO of Adlanter

A shared vision for the future

With more than 400 professionals and €23.2 million in revenue in 2024, Adlanter has become one of the top ten business advisory firms in Spain. Its commitment to innovation, technological security, and strategic collaboration positions it as a benchmark in the transformation of the legal sector.

“More than explaining what we do, we want to listen to what our clients need — because that’s where real collaboration opportunities arise,” Rivas concluded.

If you want to learn more about the full discussion and insights from other leading experts, you can read the complete roundtable article on Confilegal.