KM PROFESSIONALS:
A NATURAL FIT FOR LPM
by Lisa Gianakos of Pillsbury Winthrop
Shaw Pittman LLP
KM
PROFESSIONALS:
A NATURAL FIT FOR
LPM
Those of us who work in knowledge management
(KM) know we are frequently involved in legal
project management (LPM) when such an initiative
exists. Our involvement ranges from playing a
supporting role to being heavily involved, and
sometimes we even lead the charge. According to
a recent survey, knowledge management teams
are involved almost 60 percent of the time in firms
with LPM programs! What do KM professionals offer
that's such a good fit for LPM?
QUALITIES SUITED FOR LPM
KM professionals can get behind LPM easily, as
many of its primary goals — such as creating
efficient work methods, offering clients better
predictability and improving communication — have
long been KM goals. Those in KM already manage
many tools and processes — such as knowledge
banks, document automation, data mining, matter
pages or dashboards, extranets and collaboration
tools — that support a variety of LPM goals. With a
good set of skills, relevant experience — including
a strong understanding of law practice, project
management, finance and technology — and strong
analytical skills, KM professionals can have a positive
impact on LPM. Professionals in KM have already
established bridges to lawyers and multiple staff
