State - Foley recognized for innovative use of IT

IDG's CIO magazine has announced that Foley & Lardner LLP is a recipient of the 2010 CIO 100. The 23rd annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT). "This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are not only innovating with IT but creating genuine business value as well," said Maryfran Johnson, editor in chief of CIO Magazine & Events. "These winning companies and their IT organizations are an inspiration to businesses everywhere." The firm received this honor in large part for its budget management tool -- a technology developed by Foley that provides its attorneys and clients with real-time data regarding actual fees incurred against budget, enabling its attorneys to manage work for clients efficiently and provide predictable pricing. This Web-based tool provides the data and reports necessary for the effective management of matters and fees, and greatly enhances communication and collaboration with firm clients. "In collaboration with clients, our attorneys use the budget management tool to proactively manage legal projects and budgets to ensure client business objectives and fee expectations are aligned, provide predictable pricing and avoid budget surprises, which are all capabilities highly valued by our clients," said James R. Kalyvas, chair of the firm's Information Technology & Outsourcing Practice and one of the lead business representatives in the development of this tool. The Foley budget management tool is just one of the technology-based solutions Foley offers that promotes collaboration between the firm's attorneys and its clients while integrating seamlessly into day-to-day firm activities. Another such tool is FOLEY ClientSuite, a dedicated Web site that allows clients to track and manage matters and acts as a repository for case files and other information. "We pride ourselves on the use of innovative technology to address client concerns and improve our ability to deliver high-quality services with distinctive value," said Douglas D. Caddell, chief information officer at Foley. "Through Foley's client service interview program, we listen to what our clients have to say and heavily invest in technology that allows us to better address client service requirements and thus exceed their expectations." Published: Thu, Sep 23, 2010