Best management of knowledge

For the firm that has integrated knowledge of contacts, markets and environmental trends into its planning and service delivery.

2006 WINNER

Matthew Parsons of Linklaters with Keith Vann of The Financial Times.

Sometimes the judges have given the Knowledge Management award for particular initiatives. Few firms though, have demonstrated the ambition and scope of their Knowledge Management investment in the way that this year's winners have done.

Linklaters has a proud tradition of leading the way in the use of technology to provide clients added value.

In their submission, Linklaters has shown how they have continued to innovate, enabling them to capture and share learning throughout the global organisation. The use of rich media and video keeps the content compelling, and a variety of portals provides support at both a technical level and in relation to client service.

The project is clearly a cross practice effort drawing in fee earners and a variety of support functions. So this award is not just to a small group of individuals but to a firm as a whole which continues to demonstrate leadership in the field.

RUNNER UP

There are few people who would dispute the theory that Knowledge Management can save fee earners time and create greater value for clients. However, too few organisations can really demonstrate either.

Clifford Chance with its 'Deal Builder' project on the other hand, has successfully demonstrated both. Clever use of available technology and its integration into the firm's other systems have taken a lot of drudgery away for lawyers in their Real Estate practice. Not only is the work done more rapidly and cost effectively, but expensive lawyers are liberated to focus on issues which clients really value.

3RD PLACE

Knowledge Management is not a matter of one-off initiatives: it is a marathon not a sprint. For the 3rd year running, the judges have chosen to award Accenture for their achievements. Accenture Research have demonstrated that they continue to innovate and to add real value both to the client teams and to the clients themselves.

2006 SPONSOR

The Financial Times is one of the world's leading business information brands, internationally recognised for its accurate and incisive news, comment and analysis. Whether in print or online, the Financial Times is essential reading for the global business community.