A legal KM role description.

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Lawyer fortune cookie by sigckgc on Flickr

Here is another addition to our collection of Knowledge management role descriptions (find more here).

Found on Linked-In - a role description for a Legal KM role, the "KM Lawyer". Although, like in most Legal KM approaches, there is a strong focus on model forms and precedents, we also see the introduction of post-matter review and lessons learned (highlighted below). This is a welcome extension of the traditional curation-focused legal approach.

The Labor & Employment Knowledge Management Lawyer (“KM Lawyer”) will be an experienced lawyer reporting directly to the Knowledge Management Office

Specific reponsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge Strategy

• Work with the Groups and the Knowledge Management Officer to assess the relevant knowledge needs, define and implement a plan to meet those needs, and establish mechanisms for regular review of the plan.

Organizing and Sharing Knowledge

• Work with members from the Groups to create and capture practice-related knowledge content and encourage the sharing of information and knowledge generally;
• Operate and implement procedures for capturing, filtering, storing, accessing and disseminating materials and information, including model forms and precedents;
• Co-ordinate and support the lawyers to ensure that all models and forms are updated to reflect changes in applicable laws, regulations, market standards and best practices; and
• Ensure seamless accessibility of information and precedents via the appropriate practice portals.

 Lawyer Training and Technical Expertise

• Identify practice-related training needs and coordinate with the Professional Development team to organize, design and deliver (personally or with others) training, including seminars, workshops and offsite training;
• Train on how to access knowledge resources in the practice portals, on the Intranet, and elsewhere;
• Provide direct support to individual practitioners to assist them with locating practice-related internal and external knowledge resources; and
• Be a source of legal, market and practical expertise.

Legal Project Management

• Work with the lawyers, Knowledge Management Officer and other stakeholders to establish legal project management processes to capture matter information at all stages of an engagement and conduct post-matter review of lessons learned.

 Client-Facing Initiatives and Business Development

• Work with the Business Development department staff to identify opportunities to develop business from new and existing clients through articles, briefing notes, client training, etc.; and
• Help to identify issues and developments of relevance to key clients as part of ongoing business development.

 Current Awareness and Thought Leadership 

• Monitor and keep the Groups informed about important developments in applicable statutes, regulations, judicial decisions and the business environment through bulletins, training, know-how meetings and other processes;
• Identify trends in the law or business environment and suggest innovative ways to deliver the Firm’s services to clients more efficiently and effectively; and
• Participate in industry events to raise the Firm’s profile as a thought leader and keep up to date with developments when feasible.

 Other

• Participate in the planning of training and other knowledge-related activities;
• Participate in regular meetings with the Knowledge Management Officer and other KM Lawyers to facilitate the sharing of best practices and knowledge; and
• Attend external training and conferences to keep up-to-date with relevant developments in the law, business environment and professional support.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Five or more years of sound legal experience in the labor & employment law context at a large law firm or relevant in-house legal department;
• Prior experience providing knowledge management support would be highly desirable;
• High professional standards with a passion for quality work product;
• Excellent drafting and research skills;
• Well-developed organizational and communication skills;
• Understanding of learning processes and different methods of training;
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with people at all levels;
• Aptitude for and interest in technology and integration issues; and
• Pragmatic, self-motivated, flexible and team oriented attitude.