Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1596
www.iltanet.org E-Mail Life Cycle 11 send, delete, file . . . But Where? There should be a focused effort among IT, training and others to ensure that the most efficient and understood EMM methods are used and communicated to the attorneys. This should include ongoing education and training. Some firms include their marketing team to help ensure that the communication process is effective. One of the biggest mistakes some firms make when implementing some form of EMM is not adequately focusing on how attorneys work. Instead, they focus on how EMM should work from a systems perspective. In developing and testing an EMM program you should strive to include attorneys in the design and development process. The approach should be validated with an attorney pilot or focus group before it is rolled out. Keys to success in gaining EMM buy-in include: • Make it as easy as possible. Consider the need for capabilities such as "Send and File" as well as processes to help make EMM easier for attorneys. • Be flexible with your approach. Recognize that there is not one size or approach that fits all users. Some attorneys will be diligent in managing their e-mail, some will do it periodically, and some will be less inclined. The challenge is to build processes that will support all three types of users and everyone in between. • Get attorney input. Include attorneys in the planning process. • Give guidance. Steer attorneys on issues such as what should and should not be moved into the document management system. If there is an e-mail that is part of a string of 10 prior or 10 subsequent e-mail messages, provide guidance as to whether all are required to be filed or only the last or most relevant e-mail messages. • Keep it simple. Complexity, whether referring to the number of folders or determining what to file, will reduce attorney acceptance of EMM. While IT teams initiate and guide the development of a firm's e-mail management system, EMM is not just a technology consideration. EMM is an important business process and matter life cycle management issue that, designed effectively, can have a significantly positive impact on risk management, client service, firm management and operations. ILTa We're talking about e-mail management online right now. ILTA MEMBERS, join your peers online in the ILTA E-Group discussion forums. This popular member benefit is a members-only, topic-driven, online forum designed to improve communication among peers. There is no better place to get advice, exchange ideas, learn from first-hand experience and benefit from the knowledge of other legal IT professionals. How does it work? Log in to E-Groups from the ILTA homepage and subscribe the forums that interest you. New posts and replies will be sent to your e-mail inbox as often as you like. Post a message or reply of your own to get answers and recommendations from your peers. Who can subscribe? Any employee of a member law firm or law department can subscribe to any ILTA e-group. TAKE THE CONVERSATION ONLINE Don't miss out on one of the most important benefits of ILTA membership.