Peer to Peer Magazine

15 WWW.ILTANET.ORG BEST PRACTICES » Automated workflow. The system tracks and manages the life cycle of a litigated case, including informing aorneys of what tasks need to be completed, by whom and when. This provides greater clarity to all team members on their responsibilities and helps ensure that the right person is performing the right task at the right time. » Single environment. This allows aorneys to access materials related to their litigation maers, including retrieving case-related documentation and information, without having to visit multiple technology platforms and sites. » Beer communication. The system provides features to beer manage communication and enhance collaboration on litigation maers, including a Message Center that integrates with aorney email accounts, enabling them to tag, save and search case-related emails and chats as well as locate relevant work product and information from their peers. » Interactive dashboards. The individualized dashboards provide each aorney with views of his or her entire workflow on litigation maers, along with access to financial data and other key performance indicators and milestones. » Big data. Virtual Binder becomes a means of centralizing and organizing our data to further build Liler's big data capabilities. The legal industry is increasingly driven by data analytics and technology. And with clients increasingly demanding more value for their legal spend, Virtual Binder is a key part of Liler's unique and dedicated approach to delivering legal services effectively and efficiently. P2P Getting Past the Initial Hurdles Virtual Binder's rollout has actually been smoother than we anticipated, but there were certainly concerns in the early stages. The firm had introduced many innovations in recent years, so to minimize the risk of "change exhaustion" we remained hyper-aware of the thoughtful and systematic change management process that needed to take place. Over the years we have learned the necessity of securing internal buy-in and saw the importance of having aorneys and staff embrace Virtual Binder as a means to work smarter and provide greater value to clients. Here are three key lessons we learned with Virtual Binder: Early on, bring people in to be part of the development process. For Virtual Binder, we conducted two years of beta testing with different case teams. Participants realized that their input was valued as they saw it reflected in the lead up to the launch, and now they act as ambassadors for Virtual Binder across the firm. Develop a comprehensive communications plan, change management strategy and training program to ensure that everyone at the firm is familiar with and comfortable using the platform. It may seem simple, but we also found it important to keep those involved updated and to report on quick wins so that everyone sees the effort moving along and working. Perhaps most important, explain the "why" behind big initiatives. Aorneys and staff need to know that we are undertaking new technology initiatives as part of a larger strategy that benefits them and the firm as a whole. Leaders must be able to show that any new products or solutions can deliver value. Benefits and Results Virtual Binder has already proved to be a successful means of managing litigation and enhancing the way the firm serves clients. The firm is on track to handle approximately 350 matters through Virtual Binder over the next year, and the goal is for it eventually to be used firmwide. Its many features and benefits include: 1 2 3 Liler's Approach to Creating a Case Management Technology Solution SCOTT FORMAN Scott Forman is a shareholder with Littler Mendelson, the world's largest employment and labor law firm representing management. He guides the firm's ongoing efforts to develop technology platforms that re-engineer the delivery of legal services and enhance collaboration, including Littler CaseSmart and Virtual Binder. Mr. Forman can be reached at sforman@littler.com. The automated workflow also enhances quality and consistency by helping ensure that all tasks are captured and completed on time and that case teams are following litigation best practices and proper client reporting.

• Cover