Aileen Johnson writes for Briefing Magazine on our Firm's knowledge function and the Central Knowledge Lawyer role

The legal sector is changing at a rapid pace, and knowledge teams have had to adapt, with knowledge lawyers having to become more tech savvy, flexible and dynamic.

The value of human skills to better understand clients’ perspectives, forge connections and surface opportunities has never been more valuable than now, in the current tech-enabled world. 

Aileen Johnson, Director of Knowledge, explores the evolution of our Firm's knowledge function in an article for Briefing Magazine. Aileen reflects on the circumstances that have influenced the creation of a new Central Knowledge lawyer position — and how this role is embodying the growing influence of the knowledge function within the Firm. Aileen explains:

This role is highlighting the need for us to have a ‘GC mindset’, to stretch beyond our immediate areas of expertise and view challenges as opportunities — this is imperative in the fast-paced, ever-changing world in which we now operate.

Helena Heaton, Central Knowledge Lawyer at our Firm, also comments in the article. She explains: 

Having been ‘on the other side’, I can give fee earners a window into what life is like for in-house lawyers and what the day-to-day really entails. We are developing knowledge products that cross-sell the firm’s service lines and give clients more of what they actually want.

"In a world dominated by technology, clients want more than technical excellence — they want people they can call who understand the challenges they face and can deliver what they need. Experience working in-house teaches you to get comfortable with uncertainty, be a creative thinker and back yourself to make a call. I am motivated by being able to do anything that helps our clients meet their challenges of unmanageable volumes, insufficient resources, and demanding stakeholders in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Read the full article in Briefing Magazine here (page 22).