Law is the ultimate information field, and our Firm uses cutting-edge information technology to serve clients in the most accurate, complete and cost-effective manner. These critical resources are a concrete, routine reality in our offices today, and not merely an “experiment” reacting to competitive pressure.

Law firm technology is only as good as the “learning curve” of the professionals who use it. While we have an expert IT staff to administer our technology, it is a “front office” function in our practice. Some of that IT staff have no assignment except to continuously train and support our professionals in courtroom and transactional work. We handle client matters with thoroughness and economy by using automation, not simply having it available.

Our technology infrastructure delivers high-speed collaboration for all Firm professionals serving each client, for both information-sharing and video conferencing. All professionals staffing courtroom, off-site, and other mobile engagements have laptop computers with world-wide access to our entire network, and all Firm personnel have world-wide access to client email and voicemail communications and scheduling information. The Firm also provides business support for personal digital assistant (“PDA”) devices.

Our criteria for product selection and upgrades focus on maximizing compatibility with client systems to make collaboration and communication with clients as seamless and efficient as possible. Most significantly, we are an industry leader in moving our workspaces to World Wide Web platforms so that our clients, our professionals, and other client service providers can create, access, and discuss work product together in real-time from any computer with Internet access, anywhere in the world. Specific information on this innovation is included below.

The client-focused, straightforward mission statement for our IT function appears at the end of this briefing. Our IT professionals have assisted client legal departments with their own technology needs, and stand ready, alongside our attorneys and other staff, to satisfy our clients with the sense of urgency that defines our Firm’s overall culture.

Following is specific information on our technology infrastructure for clients assessing compatibility with their own systems. Notably, however, the Firm readily adapts for collaboration with clients who have different, proprietary, or other legacy systems, such as Lotus Notes.

Technology General Information

The Firm currently has a Wide Area Network (WAN) that allows all of our offices to be linked together 24/7. Our people also have secure remote access to the Firm’s network any time, from anywhere. Redundancy is maintained in all critical network components, and all client data is backed up and stored off-site for effective disaster recovery. The Firm presently is using Windows XP for its desktop operating system, Word XP for its word-processing needs, BEC LegalBar for its macro and template automation, Outlook/Exchange for its mail messaging and calendaring system, Excel for its spreadsheet application, DeltaView for its automatic redlining, Internet Explorer for web browsing, and PC Docs for document management, which provides every lawyer with instant access to the Firm’s transaction documents, court forms, briefs, research memos, opinions, exhibits and presentations. The Firm is readying for upgrade to the Windows Vista operating system if it proves superior for business applications. The Firm has implemented eCopy units in each office to enable high-speed scanning capabilities. Documents can be scanned in various formats including, TIFF, JPG, CPY, PDF or OCR. Electronic invoicing is available upon request.

Litigation Support Technology

The Firm has invested in a combination of litigation support technology tools to enhance the quality and cost-effective service we provide to our clients These tools include customizable litigation database software, image capture and management software, and evidence presentation software.

Litigation Support Service Providers

Although the Firm has advanced in-house litigation support capabilities, the needs of a case may require the assistance of outside litigation support service providers. Such services include computer forensics, electronic discovery, coordination of a multi-site discovery document review, document imaging, document indexing, digital deposition conversions, digital duplication, equipment acquisition, 2-D or 3-D animations and jury consulting. The Firm has substantial relationships, work history, and established communication channels with the nation’s top document and litigation support service providers.

Video Conferencing

The Firm currently has video conferencing systems installed in four (4) of its offices. These systems enable us to hold video conferences internally and with others throughout the world. The technology facilitates face-to-face meetings and negotiations in transactional situations with drastic reduction in travel and lodging expense, and depositions and other non-court proceedings in litigation matters, with similar cost-efficiency.

Client Extranet (WyattNet)

The Firm’s approach to information technology, like all its business strategy, is focused on results and client needs, and not merely internal operations. We foresaw early that clients and service providers want computer technology to provide direct, immediate and easy access to information and communication channels, and that computer users do not wish to be concerned or distracted with software programs or underlying infrastructure. As a result we have realized that the traditional Windows desktop, centered on program icons and multi-step paths to information, is not the most efficient or user-friendly way for individuals, business executives, and others to use automation in their work. The now-familiar Web browser and its universal Internet access has become a strong method of choice for everyone to access and communicate information.

In partnership with Microsoft Corporation and Leverent Corporation, the Firm has introduced a client extranet, known as WyattNet, to maximize the ease and simplicity of working with and accomplishing results for our clients. Through a simple, secure home page, accessible from any computer anywhere in the world with Internet access, each client and its personnel, our professionals serving them, other client service providers, and optionally, anyone else dealing with the client on our matters, can access and post documents and other information, engage in discussion, post and perform calendared tasks, retrieve contact information, and obtain billing information. The client and other users see displayed, on the computer screen, direct links to information, and do not need to be concerned with the software programs operating in the background. Each client web site is, in simplest term, a single common “factory floor” where everyone working on a project can make progress together using the latest technology tools, but with minimal computer knowledge or training required.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT

The information technology function of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP includes all computing, telephone, video conferencing, fax, scanning, duplication, legal research, and cost-capture hardware, software, peripherals, service contracts, and related assets, used for any client service or internal purpose, both within the IT Department and in all other segments of the Firm.

The mission of the IT Department is to innovate user-friendly, highly productive and cost-efficient processes for the Firm’s development, marketing, performance, and compensation of legal services, and all internal Firm operations.

Fulfillment of this mission requires IT Department staff to perform multiple roles in stimulating, leading, training, and/or assisting the Partners and personnel involved in all of the Firm’s functions and initiatives. The IT staff will execute all these roles with the integrity, excellence, and sense of urgency embodied in the Firm’s overall vision. 1

1 / The Shared Vision for Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP, often repeated and formalized at a January 1999 Practice Group Conference, is “To maintain in our sphere of influence a predominant presence with a deserved reputation for integrity, excellence, and maintaining a sense of urgency in rendering client service.”

For further information, contact:

Julie A. Hensley
Chief Information Officer
859.288.7657
jhensley@wyattfirm.com

Mark Vorder-Bruegge, Jr.
Partner in Charge of Technology
901.537.1069
mvorder-bruegge@wyattfirm.com