In the legal sector, the drive for innovation is reshaping traditional practices and enhancing operational efficiency. Integrating advanced technologies, particularly in document and knowledge management, streamlines processes and improves accuracy. This transformation is not only addressing the demands for greater efficiency but also transforming how legal professionals approach their work. By automating routine tasks and providing sophisticated tools for data analysis, the legal industry is moving towards a future where technology plays a crucial role in delivering more effective and responsive services.
Marjan Hermkes, a Partner and Legal Tech Advisor at L-IME is a leading figure in the legal tech area. Her role as a change management and business consulting professional is pivotal in guiding organizations through complex technological and organizational changes. Marjan’s strategic insight, dedication to problem-solving, and deep understanding of industry needs, combined with a strong client-centric focus, make her a standout leader. Her ability to drive meaningful improvements and implement effective solutions is not just impressive but also inspiring to both clients and those setting industry standards.
L-IME is deeply committed to enhancing legal and accountancy operations through the use of innovative technology and process management. By focusing on document and knowledge management, L-IME is at the forefront of transforming legal practices, helping firms to efficiently adopt new technologies and improve their overall effectiveness.
Let’s discover how Marjan Hermkes’ innovative solutions and expert guidance have transformed legal practice:
Journey Through Change Management and Business Consulting
Marjan’s passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement is a driving force in her career. With over 20 years in the professional services industry, primarily in law firms, she has found that consulting in these sectors involves tackling complex challenges, which she enjoys very much. Marjan believes, “Success requires not only an understanding of the industry and partner-led organizations but also navigating the blend of traditional practices with emerging technologies”—a dynamic and fascinating environment to thrive in. Her dedication to solving these challenges reassures clients and industry professionals of her commitment.
Driving Efficiency and Innovation in Legal Tech Solutions
As a Partner and Legal Tech Advisor at L-IME, Marjan’s primary responsibilities are providing strategic advice on leveraging technology in legal and accountancy operations, focusing on document and knowledge management. She also guides clients through organizational changes, ensuring the successful adoption of new technologies or processes. Marjan also shares insights on legal technology trends at conferences to keep clients informed and competitive.
To ensure the best outcomes, Marjan puts emphasis on a client-centric approach, thoroughly assessing each client’s unique challenges and goals. Marjan and her team collaborate closely to develop and implement customized or off-the-shelf solutions, emphasizing communication and collaboration. “My approach drives improved efficiency, effectiveness and success for our clients in the legal and accountancy sectors,” she stated.
Encouraging Team Collaboration and Autonomy
Marjan shares, “Collaboration and empowering teams are integral parts of my leadership.” “I prioritize open communication and teamwork, creating a supportive environment where team members feel motivated to excel,” she added. Marjan is direct and clear in her expectations, ensuring everyone knows where she stands. She believes, “Empowering my team by giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their projects can leverage their unique skills.” “I live by the principle that leading by example inspires others to follow,” she emphasizes.
Harnessing Technology to Revolutionize Legal Practice
Technology has improved efficiency with advanced document management systems and AI-powered tools, streamlining labor-intensive processes and allowing legal professionals to focus on high-value tasks requiring human judgment.
With the ability to analyze vast amounts of data more accurately and quickly, AI and machine learning have enhanced accuracy, reducing human error in contract review and research tasks. Cloud-based knowledge management systems have contributed to more accessible collaboration and information sharing within legal teams. Faster access to information and more efficient processes enable lawyers to deliver quicker and more comprehensive client service.
Transformative technology has automated routine tasks, including tracking and reporting, managed documents efficiently and made legal services accessible through online platforms and AI-powered tools. Subsequently, it reduced costs for law firms and clients.
Marjan believes, “Technology, particularly in knowledge and document management, is set to transform the legal industry.” “While technology will play an increasingly significant role, it won’t replace the need for skilled legal professionals,” she added. Instead, it will focus on tasks requiring complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.
Legal professionals must adapt and embrace technological advancements to enhance their practice. Education and training will equip them with the necessary technological skills. Marjan believes, “Knowledge and document management technology will reshape the legal industry by boosting efficiency, accuracy and accessibility.” The most successful professionals and firms will integrate these technologies while maintaining the essential human touch in legal services.
Directing Change in the Legal Industry
Leading large-scale projects in the legal industry requires a nuanced approach that balances respect for tradition with the need for change. Acknowledging the industry’s conservative and risk-averse nature, change management strategies must address resistance carefully, particularly in environments where billable hours are paramount. It’s crucial to emphasize value creation beyond billable time and to navigate the intricacies of partnership structures and professional autonomy.
Marjan usually applies the Prosci ADKAR model, with her own adaptations, to limit resistance and ensure successful outcomes. The word “ADKAR” is an acronym for the five outcomes an individual needs to achieve for a change to be successful—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
The Prosci ADKAR model effectively communicates the project goals and expected outcomes to all stakeholders. At times, rigid plans fail in speedy transformative environments. In those cases, Marjan uses agile methodologies for flexible project planning. It fosters a culture of innovation and learning by encouraging openness to new ideas within the team.
This model prioritizes change management, helping people adapt to new processes or technologies and recognizing the legal sector’s unique challenges. By breaking down silos, the model promotes cross-functional collaboration along with innovation and efficiency. It regularly assesses and mitigates risks in a volatile environment. To engage stakeholders, it keeps all relevant parties informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle. The Prosci ADKAR model utilizes project management and collaboration tools to streamline processes and communication. It demonstrates adaptability, resilience and a positive attitude toward change. This approach ensures that change is managed thoughtfully, balancing the industry’s traditional values with the need for progress.
Staying Ahead in Legal Tech
Marjan and her team foster a continuous learning culture and prioritize professional development to stay ahead of the ever-evolving legal tech industry. They regularly engage with leading legal tech publications like Legal IT Professionals, LawSites and Artificial Lawyer. They also follow industry thought leaders on social media, such as Robert Ambrogi, Julia Montgomery and Nikki Shaver, to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations. Equally important, they attend key conferences such as ILTACON, Lexpo and KMWorld to gain insights and network with experts.
Additionally, Marjan and her team build and maintain strong relationships with legal tech vendors, allowing them early access to new features and updates. Beyond staying informed, they focus on how new technologies can be practically applied to improve legal services and operations. By encouraging curiosity and innovation while balancing the practical needs of legal work, Marjan and her team ensure that the organization adopts technologies that deliver real value rather than just following trends.
Striking a Balance between Professional and Personal Life
Marjan grumbles, “Unfortunately, the question about work-life balance is often directed at women more than men.” “Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can be a challenge, but I set clear boundaries for my working hours and adhere to them as much as possible,” she added. She is mindful of when to disconnect and step away from work to recharge and maintain perspective. Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adjustment. Marjan feels, “I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who support and look out for me, which makes it easier to maintain this balance.”
Tailored Strategies for Legal and Accountancy Firms
Marjan applies effective strategies impactful in legal and accountancy firms to drive process optimization. She believes, “It is essential to fully understand what needs optimization, why it is necessary, and the expected outcomes.” It starts with thorough process mapping and analysis to document current workflows and identify bottlenecks, redundancies and inefficiencies. “A client-centric approach is also crucial—gathering and analyzing client feedback to ensure processes align with their needs and expectations,” Marjan points out.
Marjan believes technology can be a powerful tool for optimization. However, it should be used only when necessary. Sometimes, standardization—such as creating templates, procedures and best practice guidelines—is sufficient. Cross-functional collaboration is another key strategy, breaking down silos between departments, encouraging knowledge sharing and forming interdisciplinary teams for complex engagements.
Most importantly, fostering a culture of continuous improvement is vital. Encourage team members to suggest process enhancements and invest in change management to make changes stick. It’s crucial to tailor their approach to each organization’s unique context and involve key stakeholders in the process. Process optimization should be seen as an ongoing effort, with regular reviews and adjustments to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.
Cultivating Expertise and Networking for Success
Marjan advises young professionals to “Develop a unique blend of legal knowledge, technological expertise and strong interpersonal skills.” “Be patient and persistent, as change in the legal industry can be slow,” she indicated. With the developing nature of the legal industry, aspiring professionals should embrace lifelong learning and refine their skills consistently. Marjan suggests, “Focus on a specific area of expertise, build a personal brand and make it a point to attend legal tech conferences and network strategically.” “This combination of skills and proactive engagement will set you up for success in this dynamic field,” she added.
Equipping Law Firms with AI-Driven Knowledge Management
In the coming years, Marjan aims to prepare law firms to be AI-ready by helping them understand their options, where to start and the potential impact of AI. She will also maintain a strong focus on knowledge management.
L-IME has recently partnered with ClearPeople, the developer of Atlas, an Intelligent Knowledge Platform based on Microsoft 365. Atlas is designed to make contextual knowledge easily accessible and empower employees to leverage credible sources when using AI. It has connectors to all common legal document management systems, optimizing often yearlong investments made in that area. This transformative solution aligns perfectly with the mission to equip legal and professional services organizations with technology that drives efficiency and growth. L-IME has high expectations for the value it will bring to its clients.
