Services
What we do
Independent Technology Leadership for Specialist Firms
We work with specialist law firms, typically employing between 20 and 150 people, that need independent, senior leadership for technology change.
As technology becomes increasingly important to operations, fee earners, compliance, client service and profitability, firms need clear direction, stronger governance and greater accountability around technology decisions and delivery.
Hutchinson & Company provides independent technology leadership for law firms undertaking significant systems, software and AI change.
We help these firms make confident decisions, maintain control throughout delivery, and hold suppliers accountable from selection through to implementation and adoption.
Our role is simple: to help specialist law firms make the right technology decisions and ensure they are delivered successfully.
Where We Add Value
-
![]()
Replacing or reviewing a core system
Problem: Your firm is facing a major system change. PMS, DMS, CRM, or something equally critical. The stakes are high, the vendor is pushing, internal teams are stretched, and partners want certainty, not disruption.
Outcome: Independent leadership that takes responsibility for choosing the right system and landing it safely. One aligned to your firm’s goals, controlled end‑to‑end, and implemented without operational chaos.
-
![]()
Getting more value from existing tech
Problem: Fee earners are frustrated, workflows are clunky, and the instinct is to replace the system, but no one is sure whether the issue is the software or the setup.
Outcome: A clear, independent assessment that reveals whether you need a full replacement or simply better configuration, training, and adoption. Unlocking fast, low‑disruption improvements without unnecessary spend.
-
![]()
Managing Critical Supplier Relationships
Problem: Your IT provider isn’t delivering, trust is eroding, downtime is creeping in, and you’re unsure whether to escalate, replace, or restructure the relationship.
Outcome: Clarity on what your firm actually needs, a shortlist of the right specialists, and independent leadership through the transition. Restoring control, reducing risk, and keeping operations stable.
-
![]()
Introducing new tools (including AI)
Problem: Clients expect progress, partners want clarity. The market is moving, but your firm lacks a practical, credible plan for AI and emerging tech.
Outcome: Clear, grounded progress based on real use cases. Measurable outcomes, supporting your firm and a narrative your leadership can stand behind. Modern tech, supporting your people, enabling progress without hype or risk.
-
![]()
Technology change that is drifting or unclear
Problem: A major project is drifting; the solution has been selected but it doesn’t fit. Partners are losing patience, and no one wants to admit the implementation is off‑track.
Outcome: A reset led with calm authority. Reassessing requirements, correcting course with vendors, and getting the project back on track quickly, without repeating past mistakes.
-
![]()
Planning Significant Technology Change
Problem: The firm knows major systems, software or AI decisions are approaching, but wants independent leadership before committing significant time, cost and operational risk.
Outcome: A clear roadmap, structured decision-making and confidence that the firm is investing in the right areas for the right reasons.
How we can help
Clarity, control and progress - without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.
Clients engage us because technology has become too important, too complex, or too time-consuming to manage in the same way as before.
-
Ongoing technology leadership for firms undertaking significant change. Limited to four firms at any one time.
Technology has become too important to be managed as a side responsibility.
We work alongside Managing Partners, COOs and leadership teams, providing independent oversight, governance and accountability across the firm's technology agenda.
Acting as an extension of the leadership team, we help firms make confident decisions, prioritise investment, challenge suppliers and ensure technology change delivers measurable business outcomes.
Typical areas of support
Technology strategy and roadmap development
Governance and leadership reporting
Major systems and software decisions
Supplier management and accountability
AI governance and adoption
Oversight of strategic technology projects
Technology risk and investment planning
Best for firms that require ongoing leadership, independent advice and strategic oversight throughout the year.
-
Independent direction for critical projects, technology decisions and business change.
Not every firm requires ongoing technology leadership.
Sometimes the challenge is a specific project, technology decision or business initiative that requires experienced, independent direction to ensure it remains on track, risks are managed and the right outcomes are achieved.
We provide independent project direction, oversight and governance to help firms navigate complex change, recover struggling initiatives and make confident technology decisions.
Typical engagements
PMS, CMS and DMS selection projects
Major implementations and migrations
AI evaluation and adoption initiatives
Technology procurement exercises
Supplier reviews and performance concerns
Project recovery and stabilisation
Strategic technology planning
Best for firms facing a specific project, challenge or technology decision that requires independent direction and oversight.
-
Every firm requires a different level of technology leadership. Some need oversight of a single project, whilst others benefit from ongoing strategic support and governance.
Our engagements are structured around clearly defined service levels, allowing firms to select the appropriate level of leadership, pace and support for their requirements. As priorities evolve, engagement levels can be adjusted to provide more or less involvement as needed.
Clearly defined service levels and resource commitments
Control over pace, priorities and budget
Single-project or ongoing leadership engagements
Optional delivery and project support where required
Monthly purchase orders with no long-term commitment
From Problem to Progress
Start with a structured engagement. In 4 - 6 weeks, we’ll review your position and deliver a practical plan so you can move forward with confidence. A fixed engagement, controlled costs, focused on progress.
Intro call - no charge, or obligation
Unsure and want to find out more? Schedule an introductory call. I’ll listen to your current challenge and share practical insights and a recommended starting point for your firm, whether that’s with me or elsewhere.