We primarily capture lessons learned in two ways:
1. Retention of documents which are great examples of a past
transaction and would provide a useful starting point for future
transactions, and which are accompanied by an explanation as to why
the document would be useful, how it was used previously, what makes
it special, the context of the orginal transacton, lessons learned
about the documentation during that transaction, etc;
2. Notes from informal internal seminars given to share learnings and
project experiences at the end of large matters (part of our CLE -
continuing legal education program).

I also see some challenges for us in relation to content, capture and
consistency, but to focus on access...

The documents are all captured within our document management
system. The example documents have a formal naming structure, are
keyworded, and may be categorised - this process is checked by the KM
team. The CLE notes should be named in accordance with our document
naming conventions but this is at the discretion of the user. Both
can be profile or full text searched within the document management
system.

We have also had increasing demand from users to access all
information we have on a particular topic (precedent documents,
example documents, drafts/working documents, web links, etc) from a
web browser in a tree view. The current version of our document
management system doesn't allow for this (newer versions currently
under investigation have more flexibility in this regard). As an
interim measure we have created a 'knowledge pack' module for our
intranet which allows users build a tree view with subject
categorised folders and links out to the documents in the DMS or
other web links. The user can determine the folder names, structure
and content. The knowledge pack would sit within the relevant
business unit's team page on our intranet. The software was custom
written in house and I guess is wikki-like but consistent in format
and function with our other intranet modules. The emphasis is not so
much on a place to access lessons learned but a topic focussed
information source which happens to include lessons learned.

Two points to note about the knowledge packs:
1. The trick to creating and maintaining a knowledge pack seems to be
a balance between initial set up assistance then handing ownership
over to the business unit;
2. There is a bit of a double handle as the documents are profiled in
the the DMS, then subject classified into the knowledge pack. The
advanatage is that the DMS profile is quality checked by the KM team
to comply to corporate naming and classification standards, but the
knowledge packs can customised to the needs and preferred structure
of the particular user/business unit. The document can then be found
under either system.

Regards
Christine

Christine Johnston
Knowledge Manager
Direct line: 07 3233 8796 | Mobile: 0438 724 248 | email:
cjohnston@...

McCullough Robertson Lawyers,
Level 11 Central Plaza Two, 66 Eagle Street Brisbane Qld 4000

Telephone: (07) 3233 8888 International: +617 3233 8888 Fax: (07)
3229 9949
www.mccullough.com.au