What I can do for you

My main areas of expertise are electronic disclosure, data conversion and other aspects of litigation support, and law firm web sites. There are connections between them.

They are both areas where technical wizardry can easily obscure commercial considerations. They are areas in which large firms and smaller ones can meet on relatively equal terms. They both benefit from attention to detail. And they are both matters on which lawyers and suppliers can find that they speak different languages.

Litigation Support

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I was a litigation partner in a large London law firm for ten years until 1993. My main work since then has been the design and support of litigation software and related consultancy, data handling and training.

I therefore have a kind of "dual nationality" in the litigation support world, at home equally with the lawyers, the litigation support managers, the bureaux and the suppliers. I can hold my own with the experts and explain the concepts to the uninitiated.

I can give a presentation to your partners, shortlist your suppliers, stand in for (or act as) your litigation support manager and negotiate with your opponents. I can also (and this is perhaps the key to the rest) convert your data myself if that is needed.

New developments threaten a traditional skyline but also signify growth and prosperity.

Litigation support is an area where document populations, commercial pressures and technologies leapfrog each other.

The experts need help with the peaks and troughs. Those new to the field need simple explanations, project management and a guide to the people and systems in the market.

Technology is vital, and not just to large firms with document-heavy cases. It is not, however, the whole answer. I can supplement your resources, point you to other resources or be your resource - whatever gets the job done efficiently.

Law Firm Web Sites

Web Site design

Law firm web sites are another area where sophisticated technology often supplants an informed appraisal of the purpose of the investment. It is often apparent that more thought has gone into the appearance of a site than into its commercial purpose.

Money spent on what a web site looks like is wasted if no-one ever finds it or if, having found it, they do not come back. As with litigation, I can help you with everything from explaining the principles to creating the site and its content.

Supplementing IT Resources

What is said above as to litigation support and web sites applies to other IT-related areas. The subject might be broad areas of policy or a particular application or function and the context might be selection, implementation or merely kicking ideas around. It can be helpful to bring in an outsider with an understanding as to how law firms work and a broad knowledge of the subject.

Although most of my work is for lawyers, and is IT-related, my skills and experience are equally applicable to other businesses and sectors. I undertake assignments of any kind where an intelligent and pro-active approach, a willingness to work either alone or in a team, an ability to get up to speed quickly on a new subject, and where legal, IT and business experience are relevant.

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