Specialised staff in law firms
There was an article in the November 1st National Post entitled “Law firms raise the bar: Legal partnerships are expanding their ranks with a wide range of professionals” (accessible here, though who knows for how long).
I came across the article because our managing partner is quoted in it, and I thought it was a great topic. In fact, I would have liked to see a longer article: there are so many people with different, yet important, skills working in law firms, and it would be fascinating to hear about their roles. Considering all the things that need to happen for a law firm to run smoothly, especially when time and accuracy are of the essence (which is always!), I think it’s a great thing that firms are increasingly seeing the value of creating specialised roles, in additional to the usual support staff.
Excerpts from the article:
“Law firms are no longer comprised simply of lawyers, secretaries and law clerks. They are taking a page out of the accounting firms’ handbook and expanding their staff to include a wide range of professionals, who are helping run the firm or advise clients.[…]Firms also are bringing in more non-lawyers…to add to the array of consulting services they provide clients. For example, national law firm Miller Thomson LLP runs its own consulting arm.
Managing partner Judson Whiteside says the firm has had everyone from doctors to former civil servants and environmental engineers on staff to assist in providing clients with advice. One of its adjunct services is research, leveraging its librarians to assist clients in conducting their own research or setting up libraries.”
Consultant librarians–what a neat job!
I feel extremely fortunate that in my job, I am encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities, and grow in my role, not just as someone who provides service to lawyers, administrators, and staff, but also in my career as a library technician and paraprofessional in general.