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42
In the Intapp 2018 Risk Staffing Survey, respondents identified the following
distribution of roles:
Map it out
Given the size and diversity of subject matter experts involved in the assessment
of client commitments, it is a leading practice to map out the process formally
so all parties clearly understand the responsibilities and account for them in
current job responsibilities.
Following is a model process for consideration.
From this model, a number of leading practices become apparent.
Stage 1
Regardless of how the firm receives potential client commitments, or the form
that the commitments take (e.g., RFP, OGC, or client-authored engagement
letter), they should be forwarded to a centralized coordinating team to track
and distribute. This gatekeeping role is usually the responsibility of an office of
general counsel or accounting department.
One or more members of the gatekeeping team must have the wherewithal
to review the content of the commitment, identify potential issues, and forward
it to subject matter experts who can assess the proposed terms, provide counter
proposals, and define points of negotiation.
