P2P

13 I L T A N E T . O R G most readers of this piece already know, the I.T. function is quite broad and specialized. Some technologists focus on support, but many others contribute to areas like programming/database design for new projects, functions like compliance/privacy/security and others still ply their trade in user facing non-problem resolution areas such as training, quality assurance testing and change management. For this reason, while it is not the main focus of this article, the concept of placing legal professions into a tech function for a period is certainly not the worst idea in the world either. They'll likely learn that – just like the construction field where there are a collection of individuals like framers/drywallers, electricians, plumbers, finishing carpenters and the like, the technology function is similarly comprised of various specialists and functional experts. Understanding this can be most helpful to those in the legal function as they begin to discuss and address needs with their technology partners. But it must be said, the more common application of this concept is surely integrating, for a period of time, tech folks into the businesses they support. That being understood, what are some examples of applying this concept in the legal profession? Embedding - Legal Operations Within our industry, there are a myriad of opportunities for intertwining technology workers into the front line to foster closest in the development of solutions. Just to cite a few of the many examples, consider the following areas. Contract / Document Review Within this area, technologists might partner with legal professionals to learn more about areas such as comparing new proposed contracts to exemplars, the use of preferred clause libraries, the ability to root out problematic language, and the ability to efficiently research local regulations and laws relating to the issues at hand. Trial Prep / Presentation / War Room Within this area, and it must be stated that of all the areas this one is one area of legal where significant partnering is already in place, technologists have the opportunity to learn more about how various methods of presentation are more effective, the need for speed in a world where deadlines are hard and challenging and the value of being able to work with presentations in a very malleable sense with the trial attorneys in a dynamic manner (e.g. changes in trial strategy which are enviable during a proceeding). Physical Attendance (Deposition, Trial Conference) Sitting together in a live meeting, in any field, is a great way to bring together operational and tech staff. In a deposition, for example, seeing with one's own eyes the challenges attorneys face (how to present exhibits, execution of quick research needs, searching for and retrieving documents on the fly) is priceless to a technologist. Thankfully, this is far easier in the Zoom/Teams Age to make happen in the new world. Span Operational Levels (Executive, Manager, Worker Bees) When embedding tech staff within legal functions, it's important to try to gain representation at all levels of an organization. Consider, for example, a project related to time entry and financial accounting systems. It is safe to say that timekeepers desire systems which make the entry of their work as quick and painless as possible. There are different types of reports which are needed to govern the function (e.g., late timekeeper report, billing status reports). There are management reports related to financial topics like realization and revenue important to a law firm's

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