The Law Firm That Grew Too Fast: A Case Study

"Grow Big or Go Home" isn’t always the best strategy for rapidly expanding organizations. The law firm coached by CMA is living proof. This regional law firm, specializing in mortgage foreclosures and title work, needed to right-size exponentially. Benefitting from the foreclosure boom, the firm now faced the bursting bubble as the market slowed down. A new, sustainable success model was necessary to navigate this changing landscape.

The firm struggled with missed deadlines, resulting in penalties assessed by the courts and their clients, threatening its reputation. Additionally, the firm needed to pass an audit by the Bar Association, further emphasizing the urgency for strategic change.

Challenges Faced

Through a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project, the firm realized the need to calibrate its operations and realign its workforce, both legal and administrative. The current state was unsustainable, with inefficiencies in the case management process cycle.

Desired Outcomes

The firm set the following goals:

• Achieve cost savings of $1 million.

• Reduce staff by 30% without compromising client experience.

• Streamline processing cycles.

Achieved Outcomes

The project yielded significant results:

• A streamlined case management process cycle with greater use of automation.

• Actual cost savings of $1.3 million in non-recurring expenses after implementing changes.

• Full certification of all improvement team members in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

• Successful passing of the Bar Association audit.

• Creation of a sustainable business model and an integrated lean culture of operation.

• Reassignment of excess staff to understaffed divisions, minimizing substantial layoffs.

Conclusion

This case study illustrates the importance of sustainable growth and the effective use of Lean Six Sigma methodologies in overcoming operational challenges. By realigning their processes and workforce, the firm not only saved costs but also enhanced its reputation and operational efficiency.

For more information on how to embark on your sustainable improvement initiative, contact Gail Birks at (954) 476-3525 or info@cma-ent.com.