Digital White Papers

July 2013: Knowledge Management

publication of the International Legal Technology Association

Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/143561

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EXPERIENCE MATTERS AT DECHERT assigned to the matter.) This nuance required building the same service types into multiple practice groups' matter classification structures in some instances, further frustrating the achievement of consensus. While this matter classification structure serves as the core framework for EXP, we ultimately concluded the rigidity of any classification system we developed would limit searching for discrete areas of expertise. The solution was to add "put yourself on the map" functionality (discussed more later), as well as matter description searching by keywords. a comprehensive and accurate taxonomy of our own. The challenges posed by this task were not unlike those faced in the development of the matter classification system. We had to consider numerous — often opposing — voices and come to a consensus on a taxonomy that captured industry information throughout all of Dechert's practice areas. it would be attached to the matter at the outset and "follow" that matter into the EXP platform for experience-tracking purposes. In addition, all existing clients had to be classified in accordance with this taxonomy — a timeintensive project also requiring consensus on the "right" categorizations. Finally, we had to investigate ways for industry coding to feed into all relevant systems. In particular, we recognized industry information would need to be incorporated into the matter opening process, so in a number of ways — e.g., by resident office and practice area — but there has never been a platform for introducing lateral attorneys' client, matter and industry experience to the firm efficiently and centrally. Likewise, we've lacked a central platform for laterals to learn about the firm's existing experience easily. For EXP to be comprehensive, and to optimize its value, we Capturing Lateral Experience: Lateral onboarding is a meaningful endeavor for most law firms, and Dechert is no exception. Seasoned attorneys who join Dechert are integrated into the firm Industry Taxonomy: An industry taxonomy would also be a critical building block for EXP. Not only would it be crucial to tag matters by service types for effective experience-tracking, but an industry designation — at both the client and matter level — would also provide necessary dimension to experience acquired on a particular matter. We originally considered using standardized codes (e.g., SIC, NAICS or GICS) as the industry classification system for EXP. However, fairly early in the process, we determined such codes failed to translate to the industry sectors we service and the terminology our lawyers and clients customarily use. The task then became to develop

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