A new company has built their business model around a single idea: Lean Six Sigma and process improvement can provide a great benefit to how law firms are run. Not surprisingly, it’s being led by two attorneys known for embracing process improvement at their own firm.

The mother and daughter team of Linda Orlans and Alison Orlans launched the new company, called Revlegal, as a way to provide “innovation, consultation and other Lean for law services,” according to a press release.

Linda Orlans is founder and executive chair of Orlans Group, where Alison Orlans serves as CEO. The law firm specializes in secured and unsecured loan resolution. The firm bills itself as one of the largest WBENC-certified, women-owned law firms in America. WBENC stands for Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

It’s also known for being a big advocate for implementing Lean and Six Sigma practices. That’s something that other law firms have started to discover in recent years.

In an interview with Six Sigma Daily, Lean Six Sigma instructor Ed Hayes said that Lean Six Sigma is a natural fit for law firms, particularly in the use of process mapping and using SIPOC diagrams to identify areas that need improvement.

Hayes, a legal staff professional with more than 35 years of experience, became interested in Lean Six Sigma after discovering it while honing his business process management skills.

Asked about the use of Lean outside of manufacturing (which is where it started), Hayes said, “I clearly see how the application of Lean Six Sigma tools would foster efficiency and process improvement. The critics either don’t understand Lean Six Sigma or are not looking hard enough for opportunities outside of manufacturing.”

The Optimization Engine

According to the press release, Revlegal will focus on using technology to help law firms streamline operations, increasing both productivity and profitability. They’ve given their system the colorful title of “The Optimization Engine,” a Lean-based system they have calibrated specifically for law firms.

Alison Orlans said that the system will help law firms “overcome resource barriers, automating routine processes and utilizing Lean Six Sigma to create efficiencies.”

The mother-daughter team note in the press release that about 63% of in-house legal work is routine and “low-value risk.” They offer to focus their efforts on reducing the routine workload for attorneys and using software to automate processes faster.

For practitioners of Lean Six Sigma, it’s an interesting company to watch. The timing seems good, as the market for using Lean Six Sigma in the legal profession is growing.

What Revlegal Offers

Revlegal’s “Optimization Engine” sounds a lot like DMAIC methodology in Six Sigma. DMAIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve and control. Revlegal defines their system’s steps as:

  • Diagnostics – Define the assignment and improvement opportunity
  • Calibration – Measure and assess the current state
  • Optimization – Includes recommendations on people, resources, tools, training and technology
  • Ignition – Implement across the organization
  • Drive – Action and fine tuning

While the wording is different, it’s clear the approach is as advertised – grounded in Lean and Six Sigma. With their track record of success in implementing Lean in their law firm, the Orlans seem uniquely prepared to offer this service to the legal industry.

Revlegal is offering Lean training for companies that decide to contract for their services. They also offer contract management services in which they will create and manage contracts throughout their life cycle.

In the press release, the Orlans report they already have Revlegal clients that specialize in real estate, finance, automotive and government municipalities.