ATLANTA, Sept. 18, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Atlanta-based law firm Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP has launched an innovative Legal Project Management System. The patent-pending system is designed to improve communication and efficiency and provide transparency in the delivery of legal services. It also increases the client's involvement and control over the timing and costs needed to complete a legal project.
"The system improves communication and gives our clients a clear idea of the legal project's status through every step of the transaction," says Technology Group Chair John Yates. "Legal project management helps define the tasks, scope and budget for a legal project. Working cooperatively with the client, our system allows our clients to understand, up front the costs, timing and responsible parties required to complete the legal project."
A recent national trade magazine survey showed that the unpredictability of legal costs is the top concern that leading companies have about law firms. Other issues include lack of communication and poor responsiveness, as well as inadequate preparation.
"Most businesses today use some form of project management, but few, if any, law firms have stepped up to the plate," adds Morris, Manning & Martin attorney Grant Collingsworth. "Most lawyers are not trained to look for opportunities to reduce billable hours or ways to improve client communications and provide lawyer accountability," he says. "We feel changing this culture is critical to delivering quality services."
The firm has launched the system for its corporate and technology groups, where it is used for transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, patent prosecution, and venture capital financing deals. The firm is currently expanding it to the litigation area.
The system includes the Project Management Institutes (PMI) Process Groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring, Controlling, and Closing. During every step of the process, the firm updates the clients on the project's status, cost and potential issues or risks. It also establishes accountability for the tasks. The client receives a weekly status report on the tasks that have been completed and that are planned.
For more information on Morris, Manning & Martin's Project Management System, visit www.MMMProjectManagement.com or contact Grant Collingsworth at 404-233-7000.
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP (www.mmmlaw.com) enjoys national prominence for its corporate finance, securities, litigation, technology, telecommunications, insurance, healthcare, environmental and real estate practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Princeton.