Legal Commentary

Somehow, I was not the least bit surprised that Jo Haraf's retirement lasted about five minutes. She has way too much energy to be happy in a rocking chair.

Formerly the CIO of Morrison & Foerster, she has launched Haraf Professional Services, where she helps professional services firms recognize immediate and long-term benefits from improved staff, project, and IT portfolio management. She currently spends a good chunk of her consulting time as a "client advocate" for LexisNexis, canvassing her CIO peers and bringing their issues to the company's attention.

Earlier this week, while on my "suicide prevention" vacation to California to escape NYC's brutal heat and humidity, I had a chance to catch up with Haraf at the Market Bar at the bustling San Francisco Ferry Building plaza at the Embarcadero. (I'm amazed at how the area has changed since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake forced the demolition of the 480 freeway. Once exposed to the sun, the dark, dank, waterfront has blossomed into a city treasure!) 

We had a great conversation about innovation and what lawyers can learn from other industries. I suspect you'll hear more about this theme in the near future.

And right now, Haraf offers her witty insight into how CIOs can convince resistant law firm leaders to adopt project management protocols. A longtime member of Law Technology News' Editorial Advisory Board, Haraf urges you to not give up, in  "Slow Growth," from LTN's August issue.