ID NO: 020109023 LEVEL: BIT 400

Question: As an IT manager discuss the importance of legal knowledge and the operations of an organization.

Answer:

As an IT manager with the a legal knowledge which is In a nutshell the collection, organization, dissemination, and reuse of knowledge contained natively within documents and individuals minds; where as the term specifically includes the development of standard forms, tools, and templates to streamline the delivery of service. This definition is quoted from the LKM White Paper One entitled: Legal Knowledge Management A Holistic Model dated April 2003. This pertain the IT managers for his dynamic administrative requirement to discharge in an organization as to their Firms cultural which may be a Software Developing Firms, Banking, Networking or any Organization operating with the aid of ICT Tools. And the legal knowledge in management is not a marketing gimmick! It is a cultural change in the practice and management of legal services that must be embedded in and practiced by every employee of the organization. It has to start with the basics and in the absence/presence of software-assisted programs. As knowledge sharing is the root element to effective legal knowledge initiative; information pertaining to management strategy of the firm is shared with all its employees. This includes billing and collection targets as well as detailed information on the actual revenue of the Organization. The employees play a crucial role in the management of the firms clients and this is not reserved or limited to a Partner or a lawyer. These inculcate a common sense of ownership to the Organization and to prevent the isolation of employees from the initiatives. These steps help foster a sharing environment where IT managers are more willing to work together in teams and combine their knowledge for the benefit of the firms practice and its clients. Some of Legal Knowledge Importance in the Organization Operation may includes: 1. Ensuring relevant and pertinent information regarding clients are copied to all the employees of the firm to ensure that everyone is kept in the loop and is able to attend to the client in the absence of the person in charge; this is of course practiced with strict and due regard to clients confidentiality. 2. Creating a central work product depository, which is a central location in which legal work product is accumulated, organized, and maintained technological advances here would include storage of precedents, time and billing software, file management systems, contact information, document collections, the firms calendar system etc. that is; any recommended sever based Management Systems (Software), example Oracle Database Sever. 3. Every employee is involved and aware of the actual billings and collection of the Organizational activities where as no one is left out and this creates a sense of ownership to the Organization.

4. Support staffs are encouraged to mingle with the clients support staff to create a better rapport between the Organization and its client at all levels; this enables the employees of the firm to understand and appreciate the characteristic of every client and fulfill their needs. 5. Providing training for all its employees on the value of legal knowledge and the benefits it can reap if properly applied to creates awareness and encourages employees to embrace the cultural change the initiative promotes. 6. Also employees can be well informed about the firms clients. Whether they are corporations, small businesses or individuals, understanding the clients interests, positions and expectations is important. Maintaining an accurate client knowledge base portrays the importance the firm gives to the client and enhances a cordial relationship; and 7. Circulating bi-monthly legal updates and bi-annual newsletters to clients for free with a goal of sharing the firms knowledge on the latest development of the law and at the same time educating clients. 8. Visible involvement of the Management employees can be able to appreciate the seriousness the management has attached to it. It must be unequivocally made known that it is an integral part of the firm and that the failure to observe or adhere to its initiatives will only be futile; 9. Aligning its importance of initiative with the standard operations of the firm encourage uniformity in policies with all departments and providing professional Training & Development. So that we can synergistically embed LKM values into new-hire orientation programs, and/or producing regular seminars for existing employees to develop and contribute to LKM initiatives; 10. Assuming KM is about technology and let the IT manager presides its initiatives; Expecting that people will "make time" for its. Either give them extra time, or specifically re-balance current responsibilities; and Being contented with the initial LKM Plan that has been put into place initial initiatives will always give rise to teething problems and it is only with trial and error can LKM initiatives be improved if not perfected