Elevate Legal Services - Redefining Transparency in Legal Workflows

Forging Transparent Paths: Empowering Inclusive Legal Workflows with a Commitment to Equity.

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I designed a user-friendly global settings wireframe, simplifying navigation and enhancing user experience across Elevate Services' platform.

Roles and Responsibilities

In the captivating realm of Elevate Legal Services, I undertook the dual roles of Creative Director and Lead UX Designer. My responsibilities were multifaceted, steering the creative vision while collaborating closely with a diverse team comprising legal experts, data scientists, and technology consultants. The success of the project was a testament to the collective efforts and seamless collaboration within the team.

Client/Company:

The project was dedicated to Elevate Legal Services, a comprehensive solution provider for law firms and corporate legal departments.

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I created an intuitive wireframe for Counsel Create's RFP document upload feature, streamlining the process for users and improving efficiency.

Timeline

Week 1 - 2: Empathize, Define, and Research
    • Undertaking stakeholder interviews and context studies to understand pain points within the legal industry.
    • Defining project goals by aligning research insights with objectives, emphasizing the need for a user-friendly software solution.
  • Week 2 - 3: Ideation and Prototyping
    • Collaborating with a diverse team (legal experts, data scientists, technology consultants) for ideation.
    • Conducting formal walkthroughs and developing tangible prototypes for real-world testing.
    • Blending legal expertise, data science, and technology consulting to ideate creative solutions.
  • Week 4 - 7: Iterative Design and Testing
    • Engaging in iterative design processes based on remote user research insights.
    • Utilizing collaboration tools (Adobe XD, Zeplin) for efficient communication and seamless design iteration.
    • Conducting formal walkthroughs and recruiting participants for real-world testing.
  • Week 8: Project Completion and Reflection
    • Final implementation of the "LegalLens" software solution.
    • Presentation of findings and recommendations to stakeholders and the board.
    • Reflecting on the project, extracting valuable lessons for future UX design endeavors.
  • Problem Statement:

    The legal industry faced challenges with opaque workload distribution, potentially leading to inefficiencies and disparities. The lack of transparency not only impacted user experience but also hindered the overall effectiveness of legal teams. "LegalLens" was conceived to bridge these gaps, fostering equitable practices.

    Navigating within a defined scope, we embraced challenges as opportunities. An aggressive time frame and limited resources served as catalysts for creative solutions. The constraints fueled strategic decision-making, resulting in an efficient iterative design process.

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    Key Issues:

    1. Lack of Transparency:
    • The existing processes within law firms and legal departments lack transparency in how working hours are allocated, leading to potential inequalities and challenges in resource distribution.
  • 2. Ethnicity and Gender Disparities:
    • There is a concern about potential disparities in workload allocation based on ethnicity and gender, which may impact the professional development and opportunities for lawyers within the organization.
  • 3. Inefficient Work Allocation:
    • The current systems may lead to inefficient work allocation, affecting productivity and potentially hindering the overall effectiveness of legal teams.
  • 4. Limited Visibility:
    • Stakeholders, including legal professionals, struggle with limited visibility into how working hours are distributed across different practice areas, making it challenging to address potential issues and optimize resource allocation.
  • 5. Data Security Concerns:
    • With the sensitive nature of legal data, ensuring security and compliance with data protection regulations is crucial. The existing processes may not adequately address these concerns, posing potential risks to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Solution:

    The journey unfolded with meticulous strategic planning, seamlessly transitioning through each phase. From illuminating stakeholder interviews to insightful remote sessions, the process maintained a cohesive flow. The integration of collaboration tools like Adobe XD and Zeplin facilitated smooth workflows, ensuring the project progressed organically.

    Tangible outcomes materialized in the form of "LegalLens," a transformative software solution. The platform ushered in an improved user experience, heightened transparency, and customizable features. Achievements spanned enhanced accessibility and the implementation of a scalable design system, directly addressing the identified challenges.

    Reflecting on the project, valuable lessons emerged. Strategic time management, the art of maximizing limited resources, and the significance of remote user research now serve as guiding principles, shaping my approach to future UX design endeavors.

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    I crafted a customizable dashboard wireframe for managing matters, providing users with tailored features and seamless control over their workflow.

    Process:

    In the research phase, a context study and user pain point analysis were conducted, complemented by a competitive audit. Formal walkthroughs were employed, recruiting participants at a local grocery store to test a high-fidelity prototype, gathering insights through tasks and verbalized thoughts.

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    Presentation and Communication:

    Presenting findings and recommendations became a strategic endeavor. Tailoring communication to stakeholders and the board involved thoughtful storytelling. A proof of concept served as a showcase, highlighting the project's value and ensuring alignment with diverse audiences.

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    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, the "LegalLens" project resonates through heightened transparency and efficiency in legal workflows. Key takeaways underscore the power of collaboration, adaptability, and the unwavering commitment to a user-centric design philosophy. The journey continues, with these insights poised to shape the future landscape of UX design.