Ask any lawyer about project management, and they are likely to express hesitation or outright refusal. However, experts argue that most lawyers already engage in aspects of project management, albeit informally. They recommend adopting a structured approach to reap significant benefits to their practice’s bottom line.
Joyce Brafford, director of partner relations at ProfitSolv, emphasizes that project management is not as daunting as it sounds. “It’s just a checklist—a really nice, fancy checklist,” she explains. On a recent episode of the Non-Eventcast podcast, Brafford framed project management as a workflow that helps guide a lawyer from task initiation to completion. Instead of viewing document creation as a single task, it should be seen as a series of smaller tasks, such as gathering data, researching, and reviewing materials.
Jared Correia, the podcast host, adds that every task must be clearly assigned to a specific individual, and someone needs to oversee them to ensure accountability. This structured workflow can prevent oversights that waste billable hours and expose clients to unnecessary risks. From an operational standpoint, having a consistent workflow ensures tasks are completed more efficiently and accurately, reducing mental fatigue and errors.
On the ethical side, Brafford points out that the American Bar Association has required technological competency for over a decade. “We must focus on legal work while integrating technological tools to minimize risks and increase competency,” she says. Therefore, implementing a project management system is not merely about efficiency; it’s about upholding ethical standards in modern legal practice.
To begin, lawyers should first map out a best-case scenario offline and decide on key roles and responsibilities. After constructing the initial workflow, it’s crucial to test the system extensively. Correia advises, “Measure nine times, cut once,” meaning careful planning and testing can create a reliable system that saves time in the long term.
Maintaining and evaluating workflows is equally important. Feedback mechanisms should be easy to use, as staff may be reluctant to voice concerns directly to attorneys. Monitoring variance between expected and actual outcomes can identify process inefficiencies. Tools like CosmoLex collect valuable data that can highlight where adjustments are needed.
In summary, adopting structured project management should not be intimidating for lawyers. It is a means to more efficiently handle tasks, reduce risks, and meet modern ethical standards. For a deeper dive into the benefits and practicalities of legal project management, including some engaging anecdotes, listen to the full podcast episode here.