Insights: Converging Resource and Practice Management
Dave Cook, Global Director of Resource Management at BigHand, shares his insights from a recent Practice Group conference in Washington, DC.
I recently had the pleasure of presenting at the Lawvision Practice Group Professionals Conference in Washington, DC. It was an energising day, surrounded by forward-thinking practice management professionals across North America. I wanted to share some key insights from the event to illustrate why I believe the relationship between resource management and overall practice management is becoming more vital than ever for modern law firms.
Embracing New Perspectives in Practice Management
Over the past 12 to 18 months, we’ve witnessed a remarkable shift in how the legal industry approaches practice management. Resource management might once have been considered an isolated function. However, it is becoming increasingly recognised as an integral part of the broader practice management landscape. At the conference, I had the opportunity to explain that this isn’t merely a trend — it’s a necessary evolution. Law firms today are under immense pressure to manage capacity effectively, allocate work seamlessly, and drive profitability, all while maintaining operational agility.
During my presentation, I demonstrated how BigHand’s innovative technology streamlines work allocation. Our approach integrates with key aspects of practice management, including people management, matter management, and cost control, to create a cohesive and efficient system. Seeing the enthusiastic response from the audience as we explored the practical benefits of a more integrated model was incredibly rewarding.
The Relationship Between Practice and Resource Management
One of the main themes that emerged from our discussions was the evolving relationship between resource management and practice management. The two disciplines are complementary and somewhat interdependent. Effective resource management provides the data and insights needed to make informed decisions in practice management. Whether it’s comparing individual timekeepers’ actual hours against forecasts or tracking timesheet submissions, the insights derived from resource management can transform how work is allocated and managed across the firm.
During the session, I addressed numerous questions from industry leaders. Queries ranged from leveraging time recording to refine forecasting to ensuring visibility across current and future fee earner activity levels. These discussions underscored that law firms gain a holistic view of their operations when resource management and practice management work in tandem. This integration streamlines processes and lays a foundation for more effective strategic planning and enhanced profitability.
Success Stories in Integration
A personal highlight of the conference was a panel discussion featuring representatives from law firms that have successfully leveraged technology into their practice management frameworks. I was particularly inspired by Abby Stover, Chief Talent Officer at Honigman, who shared how her firm champions BigHand Resource Management to drive strategic change. Her insights reinforced the idea that practical, real-world applications of technology can have a significant impact on efficiency and profitability.
These success stories serve as powerful evidence of how embracing innovative tools can yield tangible benefits. By integrating resource management with broader practice management strategies, firms are overcoming operational challenges, enhancing recruitment, boosting productivity, and ultimately delivering better client service.
The bottom line? Law firms have a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on the clear synergy between practice and resource management.
The Future of Practice Management
The Lawvision conference affirmed what I’ve long believed: resource management is finding its rightful place within the practice management agenda. As law firms face increasing demands to manage capacity, allocate work effectively, and control costs, integrating these disciplines is no longer optional — it’s the key to staying ahead of the curve.
For the BigHand team and me, it’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of this transformation. We are committed to continuously innovating and refining our approach to ensure that law firms achieve greater operational efficiency and profitability. I invite you to learn more about BigHand Resource Management and discover how our technology can help you integrate resource management seamlessly into your practice management strategy.
By Dave Cook
Global Director of Resource Management at BigHand
