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instead of how we currently conduct matter debriefs, there would be a significant improvement in knowledge exchange. This improvement would ultimately lead to increased revenue and profits. So should law firms use the U.S. Army's AAR process to improve performance and profitability? YES!
What Are AARs? After-Action Reviews are event-driven professional
discussions, which can either be formal or informal. Their purpose is simple, essentially answering four questions:
• What did we want to happen? • Did it happen?
• Why or why not? • What will we do the next time to make sure it happens/doesn't happen again?
An AAR compares the actual outcome with the intended outcome. Lest we forget, most learning about how to properly conduct a matter, prosecute a patent, etc. occurs upon meaningful reflection when the matter is closed. The only way that our attorneys can become more skilled in their craft is by effectively reviewing what occurred, and then reflecting on what that means. A key component to the AAR process is that all AARs follow the same general format, and they always involve the exchange of ideas and observations. In other words, once you perfect the use of the AAR, the
ILTA White Paper 67
