Training is not just a nice fringe benefit in law firms. It is an essential investment.
This is the seventh of a series of sixteen articles that will explore the relevance and, for some law firms the existential importance, of W. Edwards Deming's Fourteen Points, especially for small and midsize law firms.
W. Edwards Deming's Sixth Point, "Institute Training," highlights the foundational role of training in any successful organization. While often seen as a general management principle, its implications for law firms are profound and undeniable. This principle encapsulates more than just the acquisition of legal knowledge; it underscores the significance of systematic training across all aspects of a firm's operations, leading directly to enhanced quality assurance and increased profitability.
For law firms, training isn't limited to understanding the intricacies of law or mastering courtroom strategies. It extends to client interactions, administrative tasks, technological adoption, and even the softer skills, such as communication and collaboration. Instituting robust training ensures that all employees, from senior partners to paralegal staff, operate at peak efficiency and with consistent standards.
Here's why Deming's call for structured training is crucial for law firms:
- Quality assurance: Mistakes in legal proceedings can be costly, both financially and reputationally. Proper training reduces the risk of such oversights, ensuring that legal documents are accurate, strategies are effective, and client interactions are impeccable. It's a proactive approach: preventing mistakes before they occur rather than correcting them later.
- Efficiency and productivity: Well-trained staff can handle tasks more efficiently. Whether it's using the latest legal software or understanding streamlined administrative processes, training equips employees with tools and methodologies that maximize productivity.
- Client satisfaction: Clients expect their legal representatives to be not just knowledgeable, but also efficient, responsive, and adaptable. Regular training ensures that the team is updated with the latest legal developments, tools, and best practices, leading to enhanced client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Employee retention and morale: A commitment to training signals to employees that the firm values their personal and professional growth. This not only boosts morale but also aids in retaining top talent, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with high staff turnover.
- Profitability: All of the above points culminate in one crucial outcome – profitability. Fewer mistakes mean less time and resources spent on corrections. Enhanced efficiency means faster case resolutions. Satisfied clients mean repeat business and referrals. And a stable, happy team reduces recruitment and training costs.
For law firms aiming for long-term success, the investment in training shouldn't be seen as an optional expense but as a strategic imperative. As the landscape of law evolves, with new regulations, technological advancements, and shifting client expectations, the firms that prioritize and institute regular training will stand out. They'll navigate challenges more deftly, seize opportunities more swiftly, and, as Deming predicted, thrive in both quality and profitability.
Our next post: Institute Leadership
Norman Clark
W. Edwards Deming's Fourteen Points provide a framework for sustained growth, improved quality, and better client service. Their successful implementation will require commitment, leadership, and an ongoing dedication to improvement. The law firms that integrate these principles into their daily operations will be well-positioned for future success in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
To learn more about the Fourteen Points, consult W. Edwards Deming, Out of the Crisis, (Massachussets Institute of Technology, 1982). Future posts in the Walker Clark World View blog, will examine the strategic relevance and practical application of each of the Fourteen Points to law firm operations and management.
The members of Walker Clark have been guiding law firms, corporate law departments, and other legal services organizations to introduce quality management since the 1990s. For more information about how we can help you integrate the Fourteen Points into a strategy for sustainable success in quality management in your organization, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
