Hill Dickinson
Legal
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Phased replacement and migration of the WAN and security infrastructure
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Internet-based SD-WAN and Secure Service Edge zero trust framework
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Co-managed 24-hour support across SD-WAN, SSE, LAN and Wi-Fi
Hill Dickinson: a global legal powerhouse
Hill Dickinson is a leading international commercial law firm with more than 850 people including 185 partners and legal directors. From offices in the UK, mainland Europe and Asia, the firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services to a global client base.
Leading law firm partners with Principle Networks to upgrade network and security infrastructure to support expansion
A phased move from private MPLS and legacy VPN to internet-based SD-WAN and a Secure Service Edge zero trust framework, delivered as a co-managed, 24-hour service.
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Phased replacement and migration of the WAN and security infrastructure
-
Internet-based SD-WAN and Secure Service Edge zero trust framework
-
Co-managed 24-hour support across SD-WAN, SSE, LAN and Wi-Fi
Replacing legacy bottlenecks
With an increasingly mobile workforce, Hill Dickinson recognised that its existing private MPLS network and legacy VPN solutions were no longer providing the performance and security needed to support their global operations and future growth.
The firm required a modern, resilient architecture that could ensure consistent, high-speed access to critical legal applications while significantly enhancing their overall security posture in an era of distributed working.
The transition to SD-WAN and Zero Trust wasn't just a technical upgrade; it was a strategic necessity to empower our global teams to work securely from anywhere without friction.
Architecture-led transformation
The partnership saw Principle Networks work closely with Hill Dickinson to undertake a digital transformation project that harnessed cloud technology, leveraging the internet for scalability and resilience.
A phased replacement and migration of the firm's existing Wide Area Network (WAN) and security infrastructure was carried out, with legacy systems replaced by an internet-based Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Secure Service Edge (SSE) zero trust security framework.
This approach would remove legacy technology, delivering an efficient, cost-effective and scalable network capable of onboarding new acquisitions seamlessly. It would also improve service delivery, reduce downtime and optimise network performance for end users.
Crucially, Principle Networks also delivered a co-managed service, offering 24-hour support services across the new SD-WAN and SSE infrastructure and the firm's Local Area Network (LAN) and Wi-Fi estate.
Principle Networks' co-managed support model with 24-hour support has brought real value to Hill Dickinson and a true partnership has been formed. The service desk team is proactive and a pleasure to deal with, and the firm's consultative approach is helping us to make better decisions which are driving operational efficiencies and improving our security posture.
A future-ready global foundation
Hill Dickinson is now poised for growth through a simplified network and security infrastructure. Cyber security posture is improved through a unified and streamlined security architecture, minimising vulnerabilities and making it easier to monitor, detect and respond to threats across all business units, including new acquisitions.
Hill Dickinson had previously operated under a fully managed IT services model, which limited the firm's ability to move quickly and adapt to change. Transitioning to a co-managed approach with Principle Networks offered the flexibility and responsiveness required to support rapid growth and continuous evolution.
Designed with growth in mind, Principle Networks' solution supports Hill Dickinson's strategic goals, enabling secure adoption of emerging technologies such as generative AI to fuel further growth and innovation. Another key advantage was a unified, simplified security architecture with fewer moving parts, allowing the IT team to focus on innovation.
Performance improvements were immediately noticeable, with users enjoying reliable, secure access with minimal friction. The streamlined infrastructure also improved meeting regulatory and compliance requirements, enabling the firm to identify and open new sites or integrate acquisitions faster.
The Principle Networks team is not just a service provider. They're a true partner that understands our business. They're readily available, easy to reach and provide support that feels personal and informed.