Sophisticated knowledge management is common within solicitors firms but not at the Bar. As such, implementation of a profit focussed knowledge management programme represents a real opportunity for Chambers and individual barristers to become more efficient, more responsive to their clients needs and more profitable.

We have a three stage approach:

Initial investigation: we analyse Chambers’ key practice areas and areas of expertise, its knowledge resources and requirements and its client base and key methods of working - prioritising areas most likely to benefit from the efficiencies generated by effective knowledge management.

Production and delivery of a report on findings comprising recommendations for the knowledge management function and an implementation plan. This covers:

• Conflict considerations;
• Current awareness services;
• Collection, collation and retrieval of internally and externally generated material, including research, standard forms and precedents (electronically or otherwise, as appropriate);
• Development of practice based materials and tools;
• Role of barristers in knowledge management;
• Appropriate use of technology and external resources, including web based sources;
• Library and any other physical resources;
• Key priorities for the knowledge management function going forward.

Implementation (including change management and training) - managing the implementation process, or supporting existing staff and including:

• Identification/design/development of appropriate databases and technology based tools for storing, retrieving and disseminating information and knowhow;
• Identification of materials which should be included in these databases and their collection, collation, abstraction and (where necessary) preparation;
• Introduction of, and allocation of responsibility for, current awareness mechanisms;
• Appropriate use of external resources, and their interface with internal materials;
• Production of protocols and working practices for the ongoing maintenance and development of the knowledge management function.

If more convenient, we offer an outsourced solution whereby we manage external and internal knowledge resources and provide a basic research function, including:

• Access to generic and bespoke information through a password protected database;
• Collection and retrieval of Chambers generated material for inclusion in database;
• Current awareness provision;
• Understanding pricing and profitability.