Challenge

‍Chapman and Cutler LLP, recognized as one of the largest all-Mac law firms globally, faced significant challenges with its bespoke document management system (DMS). Developed in-house, the system was challenging to maintain due to its complexity and maintenance demands. The firm needed a solution that aligned with its core operations without the burdens of software and hardware management.

Solution and Implementation

Upon his appointment as CIO, David Hambourger, brought a fresh perspective to the firm’s IT strategy. With previous positive experiences implementing NetDocuments for document management at other firms, Hambourger advocated for the proven cloud-based platform. His goal was to eliminate the in-house system’s upkeep, thus realigning IT resources to more critical, value-added activities within the firm. NetDocuments offered a robust solution with features such as advanced search, email management, and exceptional version control — functionalities that were either lacking or laboriously managed internally at the firm.

Transitioning to NetDocuments meant Chapman and Cutler could enhance operational reliability and reduce the IT overhead associated with maintaining a legacy system. Hambourger noted, “There were lots of things that were missing from our portfolio that NetDocuments gave us almost immediately, and not having to worry about the infrastructure made a big difference.”

The migration to NetDocuments was a significant undertaking, involving the transfer and secure management of approximately 14 million documents. Hambourger emphasized the critical nature of the migration’s initial phase, knowing that a seamless first impression was crucial to gaining lasting buy-in from the firm’s stakeholders. The transition strategy was meticulously planned and executed, focusing on minimizing disruption and ensuring that all data was accurately migrated to the new system.

Positive Outcomes

Hambourger is pleased to report high satisfaction with NetDocuments, noting the absence of support calls as a testament to the system’s design quality and user-friendliness. “It’s well designed,” commented Hambourger. “It does what says it says it’s going to do, and I think people appreciate the simplicity of that outcome.”

“There were lots of things that were missing from our portfolio that NetDocuments gave us almost immediately, and not having to worry about the infrastructure made a big difference.”

David Hambourger, CIO, Chapman and Cutler LLP

Here are some additional benefits to note:

• Improved Reliability: The switch to NetDocuments substantially increased system reliability, which was immediately noticeable across the firm. This shift was crucial for the firm’s productivity and helped in building trust in the new DMS.
• Reduced Infrastructure Hassle: With NetDocuments, Chapman and Cutler significantly reduced the time and resources previously allocated to system design and maintenance.
• User Satisfaction: The firm quickly adapted to NetDocuments, praising its simplicity and the straightforwardness of its functionalities.

Future Outlook

Chapman and Cutler are now poised to leverage additional features and innovations from NetDocuments. Hambourger is enthusiastic about the ongoing enhancements and introduction of new capabilities that will play a role in further simplifying the firm’s processes.

The case of Chapman and Cutler LLP illustrates the transformative impact of selecting and implementing the right document management system. For this all-Mac firm, NetDocuments has helped optimize their internal operations and set them up for long-term success.

“It’s well designed. It does what says it says it’s going to do, and I think people appreciate the simplicity of that outcome.”

David Hambourger, CIO, Chapman and Cutler LLP

To learn more about NetDocuments and how you can work smarter with an intelligent document management system, click here to request a personalized demo.