The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/43128
Law Clerk 2.0: Evolving from Document Managers to Case Managers and technology capabilities in order to optimize their unique contribution to the success and competitive advantage of the law firm. In order to support the success of law clerks evolving into the role of case managers, the law firm of tomorrow may also be required to abandon traditional hierarchies in order to support a more collaborative dynamic on legal teams. Law clerks are well positioned to contribute to this type of culture as they have always taken a more collegial approach when it comes to sharing in professional development circles and coordinating with the other side in a "friendly manner" in order to maintain momentum on a case. Survival of the Fittest Today's law clerk should aim to employ new ways to exceed her clients' and lawyers' expectations, engaging them both in the case management process to deliver a quality product and optimize case outcomes. In doing so, she will foster a collaborative relationship, utilize cutting-edge technology, optimize the vast expertise and resources at her disposal, manage risks and costs while maximizing efficiencies. Ultimately, all of this adds up to more value to the client. ILTA Jennifer Johnson is the Director of Professional Services for Commonwealth Legal, where she leads the largest professional services team in Canada, including consultants, project managers, case managers, trainers and product specialists. Her focus is on customizing and delivering practical solutions that empower law firms to optimize internal resources and manage their evidence in a defensible, cost-effective manner from case inception to trial. Jennifer has been consulting on the best practices for implementing legal technology solutions for almost ten years, is certified in numerous industry-leading applications and has a certificate in project management. She can be reached at jjohnson@commonwealthlegal.com. 6 Detail- Orientation • Tracks and manages all in-progress items with all team members • Has intuitive sense about what might be missing or what stone has been left unturned • Has a propensity for documentation and record keeping • Aligns and prioritizes the minutiae to key objectives • Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment • Meets evolving case and team needs in a proactive manner • Wears multiple hats on any given day • Provides and models an authentic vision for the role of the law clerk on the legal team • Engages and motivates others to achieve a common goal • Promotes a collaborative approach • Aligns case strategy to technology needs • Infuses an ROI analysis into all endeavours • Approaches tasks in a highly efficient manner • Drives client value and case results • Balances short-term case needs with long- term organizational needs • Naturally raises the profile of the firm's litigation support department and their level of engagement • Enhances the firm's website and the unique capabilities of the firm with clients 7 Adaptability 8 Leadership 9 Business Savvy 10 Marketability Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 83