Blog

A tale as old as time: “It’s just a simple matter…”

Let’s start with a story…

Prospective client comes to you with an “easy” matter. It’s “as simple as your average [ insert common deliverable here ]” and they just need the basics. They give you the information you need to provide this specific document; nothing more, nothing less.

You deliver the requested documents, and the client is satisfied… for now.

Hours, days, or even weeks later, you hear from the client, now upset that you didn’t include [ xyz ] that ensures they’re protected in the event of [ abc ], none of which is included in the “average [ common deliverable ]”.

Sound familiar?

–> Enter the project management approach.

Project management enhances efficiency and effectiveness by providing a structured approach to planning, executing, and monitoring tasks, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. It improves communication and collaboration among team members, which leads to better problem-solving and higher-quality outcomes. Additionally, proactive risk management helps identify and mitigate potential issues early, reducing disruptions and enhancing overall success.

Approaching legal work with a project management mindset enables a smooth client experience, and better outcomes. Here’s how:

• Conducting detailed due diligence can uncover potential legal issues that the client might not be aware of.
• Clearly defining the scope of work helps to identify all areas that need attention, potentially highlighting areas that might typically be overlooked.

• Identifying and analyzing risks at the planning stage can bring to light potential problems the client hasn’t considered.

• Maintaining regular, proactive communication with the client helps in gathering more context and information, leading to early discovery of hidden issues and better solutions throughout the project.

• Demonstrating thoroughness and a proactive approach builds trust and confidence with the client.

Benefits of a Project Management Approach

[manage budget / expenses, manage time / resources, improve outcomes / quality]

For Lawyers:

• Efficiency and Effectiveness: visibility into and clarity about the status of the work, who is doing the work, and when the work is due to the client – all of which support efficient and effective communication to the client and stakeholders.

• Higher Quality Output and Risk Mitigation: regular communication and more fulsome sharing of information increases the lawyer’s ability to produce their best quality work, and reduces the likelihood of missed deadlines, surprises and negative outcomes.

• Better Resource Management: optimal allocation of resources ensures tasks are completed on time and within budget.

For Clients:

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Issues are anticipated and addressed before they escalate.

• Improved Communication: Regular updates and structured communication keep clients informed and engaged; potential risks are often uncovered in the course of conversation.

• Higher Satisfaction: A structured approach tends to meet or exceed client expectations, leading to greater satisfaction, loyalty, stronger client relationships, and referrals.

Using a project management approach allows lawyers to stay aligned with their clients and improve the client’s experience, providing a more structured, transparent, and proactive service that meets the client’s needs more effectively.

To your #PROmance,

Sarah