Levenfeld Pearlstein Makes a Winning Move with Client Extranet Technology

Ask any law firm leader to list their key business strategies and delivering client value will undoubtedly top the list. While Chicago-based Levenfeld Pearlstein is similar to its smaller and much larger counterparts in this regard, the status quo really stops there. As the firm's Executive Director and member of the firm's Executive and Compensation Committee, I am responsible for the development and execution of the firm-wide business plan, including the strategic use of technology to help meet business objectives and to initiate strategic change. We market the firm as a “different kind of law firm,” and a “Big Firm alternative.” Our recent experience developing a series of client extranets is a good example of our focus on innovation for the main purpose of creating value for clients. Talking about innovation is fine and well, but is not worth much unless your firm is willing to make strategic changes, some of which might hurt in the short term, in order to open the door to new ideas and a client-centric approach.