A LEGAL firm has announced plans to create 150 jobs in Scotland at a new analysis centre in Glasgow.
Ashurst said it would open a new Scottish base within 12 months, with 120 support staff and 30 legal analysts.
The centre is being set up with the help of a grant from the Scottish Government, which will rise to £1.2 million if all posts are filled.
Legal analysis covers elements of trainee and paralegal roles, and the posts will not be filled by qualified lawyers.
Ashurst managing partner James Collis said in a statement: "The shape of the legal services market is changing and clients want their law firms to take responsibility for efficient sourcing of services without compromising on quality.
"We believe that our new venture in Scotland will be of great benefit to the firm and its clients.
"We need to have the right people, with the right skills, doing the right work in the right location."
Ashurst is offering London support staff the option of transferring to Glasgow, but declined to say whether salaries in Scotland would match those in London.
One senior Scottish legal source said many in the sector would be surprised at the move and voiced fears it may lead to work being taken away from local firms.
The source suggested Ashurst made profit per equity partner in excess of £700,000 and questioned the wisdom of using £2.4m of public money in attracting the support services office to Glasgow.
The source said: "It certainly doesn't look like something that will help the Scottish legal sector in what is already a tough market.
"Another worry is it leads to talented support staff and paralegals being poached from Scottish firms."
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