Implementing a Legal Project Management

culture at an International Law Firm

• The Problem• The Barriers to Change• The Mayer Brown Approach

What do clients want?

1. Speed

2. Quality

3. Predictable cost and in most cases low cost

4. A relationship (maybe)

5. Commercial legal advice

LPM - legal project management

LPI - legal process improvement

Can both help

The Barriers

1. Lawyers- skill sets- resistance to change- varied practice areas

2. Incentives within law firms- business development- long term profitability- billable hours

3. Building the “one firm” firm

The “As Is” State

The “To Be” State

The Mayer Brown approach (1)

1. Establish global LPM and AFA standards- Training- Branding

2. LPM software – Engage- budget building- budget monitoring- project management - pricing database

3. LPI initiatives- Exari- Word- KM systems

The Mayer Brown approach (2)

• Enterprise search• Global KM system• Smart Time capture• Adjust metrics for lawyer compensation

Winds & CurrentsWinds• Policies• New Software• Training• Compensation

and metrics

Currents• Culture• Informal

communication• Partner attitude• Partner behaviour