It has been exciting to see so much interest (particularly on LinkedIn) in my previous post about Henrik Fagerholt, Head of Knowledge at international Oslo firm BA-HR. I’m so glad that everyone  is as interested as I am in the people behind the role.

This month we hear from Lucy Dillon, Chief Knowledge Officer at Reed Smith LLP.

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Lucy Dillon

1. How did you end up as Head of Knowledge? Was there a key factor/turning point in your ending up in this role?

I spent several years as a PSL, later expanding my role and taking on some management responsibility. After my MBA, I moved to a director role.

The “key factor/turning point” was the MBA, which confirmed my desire to move into management and leadership.

2. What job did you envision having when you were young?

I always wanted to be a lawyer. I flirted with acting, but hated it!

3. If you could have any job in the world, with no limitations (salary, location, hours etc) what would you do?

Florist or theatrical designer.

4. Describe your firm in three words.

Quality, collaboration, global.

5. What is the hardest thing about your role?

Making an impact in an organisation of 1,700 lawyers in 26 offices.

6. What is the best thing about your role?

Same answer as 5!

7. What is the biggest change that you’ve witnessed during your career in Knowledge?

The role (good and bad) of technology.

8. What three things are you focusing on for the next three years?

1. Being new to the firm, same as 5 above,

2. Linking efficiency and LPM to KM, and

3. Exploiting KM in the client relationship.

9. What do you think is the most exciting new development coming in Knowledge work/KM?

The realisation (finally) that KM is vital in a knowledge business like law.

10. What advice do you have for aspiring Heads of Knowledge?

Focus on the business you are in and how KM can impact the bottom line.

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Thanks Lucy.

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And if you are a senior KMer in a law firm and would like to join in this Q&A series, email me or reply in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story.