Peer to Peer Magazine

26 PEER TO PEER: THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ILTA | SUMMER 2017 CASE STUDIES Turning the Conventional Law Firm Structure on Its Head Transforming Big Law into Smart Law The firm of Culhane Meadows was formed in 2013 by four aorneys leaving a larger firm. They invited several colleagues in four other cities from that same firm to join them with the goal of forming a more cohesive collaborative law firm environment where aorneys could deliver high-quality legal services with minimal operating expenses. To do this, the firm has leveraged emerging technologies and eliminated costly overhead (no extravagant offices, superfluous support staff or other expenses that bring lile value or benefit to clients). At Culhane Meadows, legal services are provided exclusively by partner-level aorneys who have substantial experience in large law firms and as in-house counsel for respected corporations. Like its traditional law firm counterparts, Culhane Meadows has created a working environment that encourages deep collaboration among aorneys across all geographies. Unlike traditional law firms, Culhane Meadows' clients enjoy significant cost-related efficiencies because there are no associates learning their cra on the client's dime and office space is available for use on an a la carte basis, eliminating costly, long-term lease obligations. The firm's partners work remotely, coming to their local offices at least once a month for regularly scheduled office meetings or for firm-hosted client meetings. As is common with large firms, Culhane Meadows has created a working environment that advocates for aorneys to work together regardless of an individual practitioner's location. The founders reconfigured the conventional law practice financial models to encourage firmwide collaboration without the fear of losing client credit by sharing client contacts and working new business together. Both aorneys originating business and aorneys working on client maers receive fair compensation based on an objective formula. The Technology of Modern Law Essential to the success of Culhane Meadows' innovative business model was finding the right technology and services to support it. The goal? To find technology that would grow with the firm but not add costly infrastructure or full-time IT staff. To that end, By taking a different approach to the conventional practice of law, Culhane Meadows has found ways to deliver exceptional, highly efficient client service using innovative technology combined with top-notch legal counsel, thereby creating a new business model for the legal profession. by Heather Clauson Haughian Turning the Conventional Law Firm Structure on Its Head

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