Client – National Law Firm – Approximate Headcount: 500.
Introduction
A national law firm of 300 lawyers struggled with fragmented data. Everything, from matter management and time recording to document stores and knowledge management, was inconsistent, making it difficult to answer simple questions, such as total matter value or client billing history.
The firm lacked a clear data ownership structure, and leadership was overwhelmed by recurring data issues.
The Iron Carrot Solution: Five-Step Foundation Roadmap
1. Identify a Shared Vision
In facilitated workshops, Iron Carrot worked with the Managing Partner and key business services leaders to define a clear vision: ‘Make data reliable, accessible and governed so we can deliver great client service and grow sustainably.’
2. Set Pragmatic Goals
Through guided exercises with a small group of SMEs, the firm identified its top goals: consolidating matter and billing data, standardising matter status definitions, and improving data access and reporting speed.
3. Perform a Gap Analysis
Iron Carrot reviewed existing documentation (things like policies, standards, best practices and role descriptions) to identify missing roles, processes, and documentation which were barriers to achieving the goals.
4. Define SMART Objectives & Timeline
Working with functional leads, Iron Carrot turned those goals (including filling gaps) into specific, measurable objectives. For example, ‘Unify matter status codes across all systems by the end of Q2’. These goals were prioritised and sequenced to achieve some quick wins, which demonstrated the value of following the roadmap.
5. Document the Roadmap
The output was a one-page visual data governance roadmap, supported by a detailed plan that clearly assigned responsibilities, timelines, and expected outcomes.
What did the firm achieve?
| Challenge | Benefit Delivered |
|---|---|
| Wasted time tracking data definitions | Central data glossary and matter-status mapping, reducing reporting time by 30% |
| Confusion over roles | Clear assignments led to streamlined issue resolution and fewer data discrepancies |
| Siloed stakeholder engagement | Ongoing cross-functional data meetings established a stronger culture of data ownership |
| No repeatable process | The roadmap laid a strong foundation for continuous improvement |
Why it worked
- People-first design
Leveraged existing staff roles with no need for external hires
- Rapid iteration
Delivered on the first goals within 8 weeks, ideal for firms wanting quick wins
- Built for continuing maturity
The roadmap offered clear next steps, layering on future activities to mature the firm’s data capabilities.
The Managing Partner said: ‘Iron Carrot didn’t just give us a roadmap; they built a capability we can sustain ourselves. Having delivered value so quickly, we now have confidence to invest further.’
Looking Ahead
Following the successful rollout, the firm are refining their data communications plan, celebrating small wins firm-wide. They’ve begun planning for implementing additional steps on the roadmap, with support from Iron Carrot, including embedding a Data Governance Lead and upskilling internal data stewards for long-term progress.
Do you need help with data governance at your firm?
Innovative firms have ambitious goals for enhancing the client experience through data-driven innovation. The problem is that many organisations struggle with a lack of data maturity and alignment between their strategic objectives and the siloed reality of their data.
Our unique data governance roadmap solution helps business leaders establish a solid foundation for data governance, leveraging our extensive background in data governance and information management.
Book a call to find out more.
