Page 4 - Partnership

S4 | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2015 | Partnership

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Addressing Value Challenges

With Collaborative Workspaces

them. In particular, they are seeking more projections, many law firms look to sophis- and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast
BY KARIN S. JENSON predictable litigation schedules and budgets ticated technological tools as an opportu- of changes in the law and its practice,
AND CLARE FOLEY
and, understandably, they expect legal out- nity to defensibly manage and cull data and including the benefits and risks associ-
comes that reflect the costs of the services streamline workflows in a more efficient, less ated with relevant technology, engage
T oday’s law firms face unprecedented they are paying for. Further, as users of pro- labor-intensive way.
in continuing study and education and

challenges in a highly competitive and gressive technologies themselves, corporate comply with all continuing legal educa-
rapidly evolving marketplace. Corporate
clients expect that their law firm will also Benefits and Risks of Technology
tion requirements to which the lawyer
clients, under intense pressure to cut costs embrace and be well-versed in technology is subject (emphasis added).1
and increase efficiency within their own orga- to offer more effective representation and Investing in technology to create value for There are many implications to this com-
nizations, are no longer willing to simply pay lower costs.
clients is certainly a promising approach to ment for practicing attorneys, but here are
an hourly rate for services rendered in good Meanwhile, law firms are struggling to get reining in costs. But, to be cost effective and a few key points:
faith. They are unapologetic in demanding rapidly increasing costs under control in a facilitate winning legal strategies in the long • Attorneys need to understand their cli-
increased accountability and demonstrable global information economy that has ushered term, tools must be selected wisely and used ents’ information technology (IT) infrastruc-

value from the legal teams who represent
in exploding data volumes, diverse data for- intelligently. A 2012 change to the commen- ture so they can ensure proper identification,
mats, dispersed legal teams, and large-scale, tary of Rule 1.1 of the ABA Model Rules of preservation and collection of potentially
complex litigation which frequently crosses Professional Conduct regarding competent relevant data.
KARIN S. JENSON is a partner at Baker & Hostetler in geographical and jurisdictional borders. In an representation states:
• They need to have a solid understand-
New York. CLARE FOLEY is vice president of litigation attempt to get a better handle on runaway ing of electronic discovery phases and tools,
solutions for Opus 2 Magnum.
costs and improve the accuracy of budget
To maintain the requisite knowledge
including advanced technologies like cate-