strategic project management forattorneysfor...
TRANSCRIPT
Strategic Project Management for Attorneysfor Attorneys
Pam Woldow – Principal, Altman Weil Inc.Tom Baldwin – Chief Knowledge Office, Reed Smith LLP
INDISPENSIBLEINDISPENSIBLE• Opportunities
Work with Executive MgtgHigh profileEssential to firm’s business Essential to firm s business
modelAt the table and the center
of fundamental change
INDISPENSIBLEINDISPENSIBLE
• RisksLose credibilityLose credibilityNot knowing the businessJust a technicianJust a technician
T d dTrends to date
What is Legal Project Management?
• Mindset of client service d ffi iand efficiency
• Builds on what attorneys already doalready do
• Communication is key
LPM i Diff A i lLPM is a Different Animal
• Different from “IT Project Management” or “e-gDiscovery Project Management”
• Cautionary tale: Seyfarth• Cautionary tale: Seyfarth
• PM ≠ LPM
Why This? Why Now?Why This? Why Now?
• Clients• Runaway fees• Economy• AFAsAFAs• Competition for
shrinking b sinessshrinking business
What NOT to DoWhat NOT to Do
• Think that LPM is a • Think that LPM is a software issueA th t PM • Assume that your PM skills will translate
UNLEARNUNLEARN• Role – from Role from
authoritative to collaborative
• Goal – track way attys think and operate + discipline
• Process - project charter, project sponsor, repurposing
Where to start?Where to start?
• Where can I provide Where can I provide immediate value?
• Client team both litigation & • Client team - both litigation & business
f• Identify measurable objectives that can d ‘ d ’ fdemonstrate ‘evidence’ for success
Overcoming Partner ObjectionsOvercoming Partner Objections
Common ObjectionsCommon Objections• This seems like more administrative work• You can’t ‘routinize’ my practice• You can t routinize my practice• Who’s supposed to do all this?S lli LPMSelling LPM• Business development• Competitive edge• Fend off other firms
Wh t A Fi D i ?What Are Firms Doing?
Questions?Questions?
Thanks!
Pam Woldow – Principal, Altman Weil, IncPW ld @ lt [email protected]
(610) 660-9550
Tom Baldwin – Chief Knowledge OfficerReed SmithReed Smith