Understanding that this is the single greatest barrier to success is the first step in accommodating this issue. Sponsorship at the highest levels of the firm is key, but this must be complemented by a specific tactical plan as well. Developing an effective strategy for knowledge management is a major issue for law firms today. Despite this recent focus, however, most firms have not made any material progress to date. To effectively address this issue, law firms must first determine what problems they hope to address and then develop a plan that focuses on the people, processes and the practice itself.
Technology is really just an enabler to facilitate an overarching knowledge management strategy.
Clearly it is the cultural issues which are most challenging and critical to any effective legal knowledge management strategy. Kevin O'Connor is managing vice president with SRA International Inc., of Fairfax, Va.