Case Studies
Managing Complex Production Scenarios
The problem
A law firm needed to review over 15,000 loans for mortgage-backed securities cases, with transparency and status tracking for each loan.
The strategy
We applied Lean Six Sigma and project management techniques, processed and indexed data, and trained vendors using a web-based questionnaire. A tracking mechanism was developed for real-time loan status updates.
The outcome
We met the deadline and budget, providing the client with granular visibility into each loan's status throughout the process.
Technology Vendor Switch Saves $10 Million+
The problem
A law firm was unhappy with the cost and performance of its document review platform but feared the delays and expenses of changing vendors.
The strategy
We negotiated better terms with a new vendor and successfully migrated over six terabytes of data and coding without losing any work product.
The outcome
The firm immediately saved approximately $157,000 per month, totaling over $10 million in savings over the litigation's lifetime.
Finding the Right Match
The problem
A law firm was unhappy with the cost and performance of its document review platform but feared the delays and expenses of changing vendors.
The strategy
We drafted review protocols, trained the clients' personnel in e-discovery and legal project management, and monitored the review process to ensure adherence to procedures.
The outcome
The new protocols resulted in an error rate of less than 5%, a 25% faster review speed, and a 34% decrease in costs.
New Protocol Speeds Document Review
The problem
A federal agency faced tight litigation deadlines and had to review nearly eight terabytes of data efficiently.
The strategy
We implemented a technology-assisted review protocol, negotiated it with opposing counsel, and managed a defensible document review process with measurable success.
The outcome
The review was 80% faster than traditional Boolean methods and 65% faster than indexing and clustering.
Cheaper by the Million
The problem
Negotiating individual e-discovery contracts is costly and time-consuming.
The strategy
We leveraged industry connections to negotiate bundled vendor contracts, using volume to reduce costs.
The outcome
Over five years, we saved clients approximately $30 million in hosting and processing fees.
Modernizing a Legal Department's Operations
The problem
A legal department struggled with managing outdated paper archives, leading to inefficiencies and delays. The department needed a comprehensive digitization strategy, a modern document management system, a matter management system, and updated outside counsel guidelines to improve overall efficiency and compliance.
The strategy
1. Assessment and Planning:
We began with a thorough assessment of the department's existing paper archives and overall document management needs. We then developed a strategic plan to digitize the archives and implement new systems.
2. Digitization of Paper Archives: We organized and executed a large-scale digitization project, converting all paper documents into digital formats. This included setting up scanning stations, ensuring proper indexing, and securely storing digital files.
3. Cloud-Based Document Management System:
We implemented a cloud-based document management system to provide secure, centralized access to all digitized documents. This system featured robust search capabilities, version control, and secure sharing options.
4. Matter Management System:
We introduced a matter management system to streamline case tracking, reporting, and collaboration. This system integrated seamlessly with the document management platform, ensuring all case-related information was easily accessible.
5. Comprehensive Training:
We conducted extensive training sessions for the entire legal team, covering the new document management and matter management systems. This included hands-on workshops, user guides, and ongoing support until all team members were proficient and comfortable with the new tools.
6. Updating Outside Counsel Guidelines:
We reviewed and updated the department's outside counsel guidelines to align with the new digital workflows and technologies. This ensured consistent practices and enhanced collaboration with external legal partners.
The outcome
The digitization of paper archives transformed the department's document management, significantly reducing storage costs and retrieval times. The cloud-based document management system provided secure, efficient access to all documents, while the matter management system improved case tracking and collaboration. Comprehensive training ensured the team was confident and adept with the new systems. The updated outside counsel guidelines facilitated smoother interactions with external partners. Overall, the legal department experienced enhanced productivity, streamlined workflows, and improved compliance with industry standards.
Controlling third party costs
The problem
Excessive spending on outside counsel and vendors.
The strategy
We applied Lean Six Sigma techniques to tackle poor contract management and inadequate technology adoption. Through Kaizen events, we identified root causes and implemented solutions using tools like fish-bone diagrams and value-stream mapping. We established a vendor panel focusing on skills, compliance, data security, diversity, and pricing. RFPs were modernized with best practices and tech requirements. We developed selection criteria based on rates, experience, skills, and diversity, and analyzed bidder data to identify cost-effective fee arrangements. New value-based sourcing and staffing models were implemented, and we planned Lean and Agile training for selected law firms.
The outcome
Reduced costs through optimized workflows, better vendor selection, and efficient technology solutions.
Transforming a Growing Firm through C-Suite Coaching and Comprehensive Training
The problem
A rapidly growing law firm faced challenges in managing its outdated technology stack, untrained staff across various departments, and lack of standardized protocols and policies. The firm needed a comprehensive overhaul to improve efficiency, secure data, and establish robust information governance.
The strategy
1. C-Suite Coaching and Assessment: We began with intensive coaching sessions for the C-suite to align their vision with modern legal technology advancements. We conducted a thorough assessment of the firm's existing technology stack, identifying areas requiring immediate upgrades and long-term improvements.
2. Technology Stack Update: We guided the firm in selecting and implementing the latest legal technology solutions, ensuring compatibility and scalability. This included updating practice management software, document management systems, and secure communication tools.
3. Departmental Training: We provided specialized training for the firm's accounting, HR, and operational departments. This training focused on integrating new technologies, optimizing workflows, and enhancing inter-departmental collaboration.
4. Lawyer Training and Protocol Development: We conducted comprehensive training sessions for the firm's lawyers on the updated technology stack and new protocols. This included creating standardized templates for legal documents, policy guidelines for practice management, and best practices for client communication.
5. Data Security and Information Governance: We established secure data protocols and information governance policies to protect sensitive client information. This included implementing advanced encryption methods, secure access controls, and regular security audits.
6. Data Collection and Management Systems: We developed and implemented robust data collection systems to streamline information gathering and reporting processes. This ensured accurate and efficient data management across all departments.
The outcome
The firm's C-suite gained a clear understanding of the benefits of modern legal technology and how to leverage it for growth. With an updated tech stack, the firm experienced improved efficiency and productivity. Staff across all departments became proficient in using new tools and adhering to standardized protocols. Lawyers benefitted from streamlined workflows and enhanced client communication. The firm's data security and information governance measures were significantly strengthened, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Overall, the firm was well-equipped to handle future growth and maintain a competitive edge in the legal market.
Wrangling loan files in RMBS cases
The problem
At the center of a series of Residential Mortgage-backed Securities (“RMBS”) litigation matters were well over 20,000 loan files, which consisted of 500 - 1,000 pages per loan file of credit and financial information needed to secure a mortgage. We needed a way keep them organized if the expert and the expert’s team were to review each of them by court-established deadlines and under budget. We had a fast moving pipeline consisting of at least three layers of loan file review, and, given the court deadlines, it was our job to keep the reviewers and expert moving as efficiently as possible. As a result, the cornerstone of managing the pipeline well came down to quick access to complete sets of loan files. The teams reviewed loan files according to primary statistical sample, and sometimes they needed to substitute an incomplete loan file with one from a supplemental sample. With the extraordinary number of loan files and samples in the scope of our expert reports, we could have easily become disorganized, unconsciously devolving into searching for loan files in a haphazard way. It mattered that loan files were saved according to sample name and loan number.
The strategy
We designed a process to pull large swaths of loan files in a single go, and funnel them into an easy to understand folder structure. First, in consult with the subject matter experts in Litigation Support, attorneys drafted detailed instructions to the third parties who possessed these loan files, asking them to prepare the digital files according to certain specifications. Most importantly, the instructions requested metadata containing the loan numbers. The attorneys sent identical sets of instructors to all loan file originators that were third parties to the case. This consistent guidance set the stage for getting loan files containing the type of information needed down the line to automatically pull documents associated with a single loan file. Second, once we had the loan files, we needed to organize them by sample, with an average of 80 loans to a sample. Lit Support programed python scripts to “pull” loan files with loan numbers tied to a particular sample, and then funnel the files automatically into a folder labeled by sample name and loan number. Third, we took it one step further by pulling not just the primary sample, but all of the supplemental sample too. This allowed us to quickly supplement if loan file underwriters needed to substitute at a moment’s notice. Pulling loans in both samples established a complete library of all possible loan files we might need for a particular set.
The outcome
The sheer volume of samples, loan files, and pages of loan files made this project inherently complicated. But, tackling the organization process one step at a time created order and a pipeline that hummed along. In turn, we met all court deadlines and attorneys had the time and energy to tackle aspects of the case that were more deserving of their thought than locating a loan file one at a time.
Cost control with Lean
The problem
"We are spending too much money on outside counsel and vendors. We need to control costs."
The strategy
We applied different Lean Six Sigma techniques to correct poor contract management, poor technology adoption and long contract cycles.
The outcome
We planned and conducted a series of Kaizen events. During these sessions, we worked with the team and used different Lean tools, such as: fish-bone diagrams, value-stream mapping, various brainstorming techniques, and others, to determine the root causes of the problems and implement solutions. We formulated a better workflow and decided on the best technology solutions. Together with the acquisition and adoption of better suited technology, and the appropriate training, we successfully implemented these changes:
•Created a preferred vendor panel focusing on skills, compliance and data security & protection capabilities, diversity, and pricing.
•Updated the old RFPs with modern data and technology best practices. Included requirements for technology applications, project management, and reporting.
•Planned a law firm panel convergence summit, using Lean Six Sigma tools to determine the selection criteria.
•Established selection criteria using: rates, experience, skill sets, geography, diversity, and needs.
•Created a plan to analyze data from the bidders to serve as a basis for comparison.
•Using data gathered, identified situations in which flat or other AFAs should be considered.
•Decided on new value-based sourcing and staffing models.
•Created a plan for training the selected law firms on Lean and Agile methodologies and to use these in the client's matters.
Time saving with Lean
The problem
The client was frustrated with the amount of incoming work and unfinished projects. Everyone seemed to be overwhelmed with work, "there are not enough hours in the day" was a common complaint.
The strategy
We used Lean management techniques and tools like Kaizen, DMAIC, and process maps, to help the team discover and remove "waste" - as defined in Lean- from the day-to-day processes.
The outcome
•Conducted time-management training.
•Created new workflows and process maps (e.g., a 5 page process map on NDAs to reduce turnaround time).
•Decided to use temporary staffing, at a much reduced cost than full-time employees, to clear up backlogs and clerical work from the busy attorneys in the department.
•Realigned the workforce and the workloads by subject matter and reassigned tasks to people best-suited for the job. We also cut unnecessary tasks.
•Automated tasks using technology, and executed a solid implementation and adoption strategy.
•Created a shared portal for task tracking, assignments and reassignments.
Vendor switch saves $10 million
The problem
A law firm was unhappy with the cost and performance of its document review platform, but feared the delay and expense often involved in changing vendors.
The strategy
We negotiated more favorable terms with a new vendor, and planned and executed a successful migration of more than six terabytes of data and coding without losing any work product.
The outcome
Immediately, the firm began saving approximately $157,000 a month. Over the lifetime of the litigation, the savings totaled over $10 million.