By Dave Cook, Global Director of Resource Management at Legal Futures Associate BigHand
I recently had the pleasure of presenting at the Lawvision Practice Group Professionals Conference in Washington DC. It was an energising day, surrounded by forward-thinking practice management professionals from across North America. I wanted to share some key insights I took from the event to illustrate why I believe the relationship between resource management and overall practice management is becoming more vital than ever for modern law firms.
Embracing new perspectives in practice management
Over the past 12 to 18 months, we’ve witnessed a remarkable shift in how the legal industry approaches practice management. Resource management might once have been considered an isolated function; however, it is becoming increasingly recognised as an integral part of the broader practice management landscape. At the conference, I had the opportunity to explain that this isn’t merely a trend – it’s a necessary evolution. Law firms today are under immense pressure to manage capacity effectively, allocate work seamlessly, and drive profitability, all while maintaining operational agility.
During my presentation, I demonstrated how BigHand’s innovative technology streamlines work allocation. Our approach integrates with key aspects of practice management – people management, matter management, and cost control – to create a cohesive, efficient system. It was incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiastic response from the audience as we explored the practical benefits of a more integrated model.
The relationship between practice and resource management
One of the main themes that emerged from our discussions was the evolving relationship between resource management and practice management. In my view, the two disciplines are not only complementary but somewhat interdependent. Effective resource management provides the data and insights needed to make informed decisions in practice management. Whether it’s comparing individual timekeepers’ actual hours against forecasts or tracking timesheet submissions, the insights derived from resource management can transform how work is allocated and managed across the firm.
During the session, I addressed numerous questions from industry leaders. Queries ranged from leveraging time recording to refine forecasting to ensuring visibility across current and future fee earner activity levels. These discussions underscored the fact that when resource management and practice management work in tandem, law firms gain a holistic view of their operations. This integration not only streamlines processes but also creates a foundation for better strategic planning and improved profitability.
Success stories in integration
A personal highlight of the conference was a panel discussion featuring representatives from law firms successfully leveraging technology into their practice management frameworks. I was particularly inspired by Abby Stover, Chief Talent Officer at Honigman, who shared how her firm champions BigHand Resource Management to drive strategic change. Her insights reinforced the idea that practical, real-world applications of technology can have a significant impact on efficiency and profitability.
These success stories serve as powerful evidence of how embracing innovative tools can yield tangible benefits. By integrating resource management with broader practice management strategies, firms are not only overcoming operational challenges but are also enhancing recruitment, boosting productivity, and ultimately delivering better service to their clients.
The bottom line? Law firms have a huge opportunity to capitalise on the clear synergy between practice and resource management.
Conclusion: The future of practice management
The Lawvision conference affirmed what I’ve long believed: resource management is finding its rightful place within the practice management agenda. As law firms face increasing demands to manage capacity, allocate work effectively, and control costs, the integration of these disciplines is no longer optional – it’s the key to staying ahead of the curve.
For the BigHand team and me, it’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of this transformation. We are committed to continuously innovating and refining our approach to ensure that law firms can achieve greater operational efficiency and profitability. I invite you to learn more about BigHand Resource Management and discover how our technology can help you integrate resource management seamlessly into your practice management strategy.
