Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/5394
ILTA White Paper Firm University 6 A t a time when firms are forced to do more with less, when competition for clients is more fierce, client demand for task-based billing is on the increase, and when secretary-to- attorney ratios have increased to as much as 1:6 or 1:7, it is critical for firms to ensure that employees have the right tools, knowledge and skills. For many firms, the answer to building skills and knowledge is the firm university, a strategic tool designed for the development of employees. A firm university is not just for improving employees' technical and job skills, but also for building a culture of learning. Typical goals for the university often include the following: • Develop a culture of learning and loyalty • Help the firm remain competitive • Retain employees • Organize employee training • Support the goals of the firm • Sustain change in the firm beneFIts oF a FIrm UnIversIty When lawyers and staff are skilled in document production and the use of technology, their firms benefit in many ways. Less time is spent on fixing the problems associated with poor document creation and editing skills. There is faster access to information when documents are saved properly into matter workspaces or profiled correctly. Improved processes and methodologies also reduce the amount of effort required to do the work, and higher skill levels lead to faster work. People who Char Lemaire traveLing CoaChes Lessons Learned from Firm Universities