What's Happening?
Burcher Jennings has expanded its services in the legal consulting sector by acquiring Legal Project Management Limited from its founder, Antony Smith. This strategic acquisition allows Burcher Jennings to introduce
its Legal Services Profitability Programme, which integrates Legal Services Pricing, Legal Project Management, and Legal Process Improvement. The firm aims to become the sole consultancy in the UK offering a comprehensive approach to law-firm profitability, supported by exclusive training and certification from the International Institute of Legal Project Management (IILPM). Richard Allen, Head of Pricing, Project Management & Process Improvement, emphasized the importance of combining pricing strategy, project management control, and process improvement to plan profits effectively. Martyn Jennings, Chairman & Chief Executive, highlighted the firm's leadership in legal marketplace innovation, aiming to transform performance at every stage of the client journey.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition and subsequent launch of the Legal Services Profitability Programme by Burcher Jennings is significant for the legal industry, particularly in the UK. By integrating pricing, project management, and process improvement, law firms can enhance their profitability and client outcomes. This initiative sets a new international standard for professional-services profitability, as noted by Dr Todd Hutchison, Global Chairman of the IILPM. The programme provides law firms with tools to price confidently, manage projects precisely, and improve processes effectively, potentially leading to increased margins and better client satisfaction. The move could influence other legal consultancies to adopt similar integrated approaches, thereby reshaping the landscape of legal services.
What's Next?
Burcher Jennings plans to conduct a live face-to-face Legal Project Management certification course in London from November 18 to 20. This course will cover essential project management strategies applicable to matter management and process improvement. Law firms and commercial organizations with legal departments are encouraged to participate, with further details available on the respective websites. The success of this programme could lead to further expansion and adoption of similar frameworks in other regions, potentially influencing global standards in legal consultancy.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of pricing, project management, and process improvement by Burcher Jennings could have long-term implications for the legal industry. It may lead to a shift in how law firms approach profitability, moving from traditional methods to more structured and planned strategies. This could also impact the training and certification landscape, with more firms seeking accreditation from recognized bodies like the IILPM. Additionally, the focus on enhancing client outcomes could drive a cultural change within law firms, prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
