F L Y   L E A F

While there is significant interest in knowledge management as it applies to legal environments, there are very few books specifically focused on this topic. In Effective Knowledge Management for Law Firms, Matthew Parsons expertly fills this gap by drawing on his work with a leading commercial law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques. He examines how law firms can implement a knowledge strategy to support their business strategy, rather than getting beguiled by fad and technology.

Parsons first outlines the terrain, including what knowledge management means, the business and economics of law firms, and how lawyers work as knowledge workers. Then he introduces a methodology for creating and implementing law firm knowledge strategy, which brings together for the first time the interrelated aspects of recruiting, training, research, document production, information management and digital knowledge strategy. Parsons goes beyond theories to provide detailed, practical help for the analysis, implementation, and measurement of performance-increasing initiatives. This book will be an invaluable resource for all those involved with the management and leadership of law firms and knowledge management initiatives.

R E V I E W S

This is an excellent book that deserves international recognition.  Indeed, it should be mandatory reading not just for managing partners of all law firms but also for those innumerable, practising lawyers who cynically reject knowledge management as an esoteric distraction. With assurance and insight, and a clear flair for theory and practice, Parsons demonstrates that effective knowledge management can and should be at the heart of the more profitable and successful practice of law.
Professor Richard Susskind OBE

Parsons has produced the definitive work on knowledge management within the law firm environment.  It is a "must read" for all law firm managing partners and KM and IT directors.  He not only provides a compelling argument to show the importance of knowledge management, but he also tackles the thorny questions of the productivity paradox and return on investment.  Importantly, he provides law firms with a vision for the role of KM, how to ingrain it in firm culture and finally how to implement that vision. It is likely to become a seminal work for all interested in knowledge management in professional firms.
Norman Letalik, Partner, Borden, Ladner Gervais LLP, Canada

Finally a book that integrates know-how, professional development, information management, economics, and technology in a comprehensive formula for truly successful knowledge management. Drawing upon his credentials as a lawyer, an accountant and a former law firm KM director, Matthew Parsons shares his expertise, providing real world advice, realistic hypothesis and metaphor, in a refreshingly readable narrative. Effective Knowledge Management for Law Firms should be a primary resource for anyone looking to develop an effective KM strategy, particularly within the law community.
Joy London, Know-how & Training Manager, Allen & Overy and creator of Excited Utterances, a web log devoted to law firm KM

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

Introduction

Part 1 - Understanding the Terrain: Knowledge Management, Law Firms and Lawyers
1. It is said that Law Firms Don’t Get Knowledge Management
2. What Is Knowledge Management All About?
3. The Business and Economics of Law Firms
4. Lawyers as Knowledge Workers: What Lawyers Do

Part II - Plotting and Sailing a Course: Creating and Implementing Law Firm Knowledge Strategy
5. What Is a Law Firm Knowledge Strategy? How Do You Develop One?
6. Preparation 101: Culture Matters!
7. Consultation: Agreeing on the Process for Change Management
8. Story: The Lawyer’s Life in the New World

Part III - Recommendations for Your Personal, Interpersonal and Impersonal Knowledge Strategies
9. Personal Knowledge Strategy: Tacit is King
10. Interpersonal Knowledge Strategy: Creation and Projection
11. Impersonal and Digital Knowledge Strategy