Twenty Questions

Under the microscope this month is Ian Thomson, one of the pioneering users of case management in this country when he was with Morton Fraser, and now enjoying new Case challenges Down Under with Minter Ellison Adelaide. So if you’d like to know what Ian would take to a desert island, read on.

Years in legal
12
First job in legal
Paralegal (preparing secured loan documentation)
First computer you ever used
BBC Micro
Current role
Director of Legal Engineering. Basically means I consult to the Firm's legal teams on potential benefits to them and their clients of smarter use of their IT systems - with a particular focus on process management and automation of client communications, given it most consistently provides a measurable benefit - and then build their case management and reporting systems to fit.
Notable achievements in role
I was always very proud of where we got to at Morton Fraser before I left, but I suppose getting Case Manager bedded in at Minter Ellison Adelaide has been the biggie recently. Given it's on the other side of the planet and the first southern hemisphere adopter of the software. So attracting some major new work from some icon clients in South Australia would be the most notable achievement recently.
Current challenges of role
The firm here is keen to extend the Case Management methodology to cover all work it does. That means getting Case Manager to operate as the core part of a filing system not just for matters, but for client/contact, and administrative work. This will require a more flexible document management capability than we have with Case Manager at present and some more structured security management. I'm very impressed with what I've seen of Dynamics in relation to extending process management and case plans/electronic files beyond client-matters, so my top challenge at the moment is obtaining a workable Document Management system integration with Case Manager.
How has your work impacted on your practice overall
Of course I work with teams of lawyers and their support staff - who deserve a huge amount of credit for the effort they make to embrace a new way of working. Plus there's an excellent IT Support team at the firm. Between us we've added 20% to the firm's turnover within the past 12 months, counting only new work run on Case Manager. At present the profit margins on that work are looking pretty good. You'll need to ask the Managing Partner if you want more detail on the money side of things than that!

On a more 'touchy feely' level, we're also helping some more junior staff (ie. support and junior paralegals) become more involved in client work than they've had the opportunity to be in the past. Given where I started myself, I'm always pleased when this happens.
The hardest thing you’ve ever had to do at work
For a brief time at my old firm - while we were expanding rapidly - I had some pseudo-HR duties. So recruitment, 'performance management', termination of employment… Never again.
One thing you’d most like to change about the legal profession
One thing?! OK - at a practical level, the continuing attitude that even the most basic understanding of IT systems is not really part of the job. This is of course a gross generalisation, I know some very IT-knowledgeable solicitors - but they're still a minority.
Anything you’d like to change about the IT profession
Again: One thing?! OK - at a practical level, the continuing attitude that even the most basic understanding of what it is that the lawyers actually do is not really part of the job. This is of course another gross generalisation…
Best piece of advice you’d offer someone entering the legal IT field
Recognise it is all about the clients - if you're not doing something that makes it easier/better/faster/cheaper for them, you're wasting your time.
Most painful lesson learnt in business
All been fairly pain-free really
The next big thing to hit the legal IT sector
In my sector: browser based process management systems which can be designed and maintained by legal firms with the right expertise and then licensed for use by 3rd parties, whether clients or other firms.
Your favourite gadget
I'm enjoying our new broadband wireless network at home.
Your favourite website
Being an Ex-Pat these days, http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/
What would you have been if you hadn’t gone into the law
Was a toss-up between Art College and the Law degree. I called tails.
Favourite place to be when not at work
You mean I'm allowed to leave work? Someone might have mentioned this earlier.
Three things you’d take to a desert island
Destiny's Child (err, is my wife likely to read this?)
Three words you’d use to describe yourself
Big. Loud. Scottish.
What you hope people will say about you when you log off at work for the last time
"Must be great to retire at 40" … Fat chance.

Published on: 23-11-2006