There are a multitude of technology and educational resources available for Litigation Support professionals.  I receive emails daily (sometimes hourly) keeping me up to date on the hot topics and issues in our industry.  Chatter consists of anything from write blockers to Bates numbering fonts.  The one ingredient few seem to mention is time.  Of course, that could be because we are often limited or in some cases out of time.  I am often asked questions along the lines of how long something will take.  Meetings. Phone calls. Document processing.  But when a group has decided to take the stand and empower themselves they need to understand that the time element is crucial when processing work in-house.  Processes and technology are great, but you have to allow these items enough time to get through the project.

Project Planning

When you are planning a project, whether the project has officially begun or the project is just a possibility, the first thing you need to ask is when will it need to be completed?  This will allow you to plan backwards.  Next, identify what you are dealing with – paper documents to be scanned, PDF files that need to be converted, eDocs that need to be converted.  The third thing you should consider is the end result of the job.  Do I need to Bates number?  OCR?  Create load files?  Am I producing in a certain format?  Last, identify the specifics such as beginning Bates number, output file types.

Time Management

I know that we all are super capable people.  If you’re reading this blog, then chances are that you have a desire to enhance your productivity.  The element of productivity that you have the most control over is time management.  If you have a half box of documents that need to be slipsheeted and scanned for a project that is due in a week, then get started early.  If you need to copy some images to the network, get started early.  If you have an assistant available to you, cross train them or delegate to them to have the project begin as soon as possible.  (I actually have an intern scanning for me as I type this post!)  The key to managing your time and increasing productivity is beginning early.

With the amount of information and resources available to Litigation Support professionals, the comfort level of project management is rising. With careful planning and time management, you will be able to tackle most projects as they are piled on your desk (or email or server).  Even though you have technology and processes on your side, you still need to have included time in your recipe for Project Planning Success.
What are your experiences?  If you’ve been in Litigation Support for any amount of time, then I know that you probably have some great stories.  Share them with the group by commenting below.  If you have any other ingredients for Project Planning Success, share those as well.