Bressler Risk Blog

Our latest Sponsor Spotlight from Epiq highlights a recent article by Director of Risk Management Mike Guernon. In a bit of circular referencing, he’s parlayed the company’s sponsorship of a popular annual risk survey into permission to publicly share and analyze some of the qualitative responses in contains. Read more from Mike:

“Independent Risk Survey Highlights Law Firm Investment and Innovation Plans for 2026 and Beyond” —

• “Because the report was sponsored by Epiq (my employer) I was fortunate to be granted access to and permission to share some of the response data, which I’m presenting in this update along with my own thoughts and analysis.”
• “For those interested in reading the complete report, which features detailed compensation data and over 20 pages of commentary across six broad operational risk themes, I’d note that as a survey sponsor, Epiq has special rights to share copies with qualified firms.”

TREND 1: An AI Imperative — Harnessing New Technology for Greater Efficiency in Conflicts Review and New Business Intake Process Execution

As expected, risk leaders flagged AI as a key theme. Responses suggested that when it comes to AI in the context of risk, many firms are at the exploration and experimentation stage, though others suggest more developed efforts including defined initiatives. Sampling of responses:

• “We are AI focused. Looking any efficiencies that can be gained through AI.” (500-999 Lawyers)
• “I just started an AI working group within the department to explore uses of AI for efficiency.“ (500-999 Lawyers)
• “Focus on how AI can assist in clearance process, particularly in analyzing and summarizing the conflicts reports.” (1000+ Lawyers)

TREND 2: Intapp Immensely Important — Modernizing Risk and Compliance Infrastructure Through Cloud Adoption and Workflow Automation

For the many firms utilizing Intapp for risk and compliance, cloud migration is critical path to adopting the rich AI capabilities that platform offers. Survey responses suggest that while many firms have made the move to the cloud, others are prioritizing migrating their on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, driven not only by the promises of future AI adoption, but also by the short term functional and operational benefits a cloud model provides. Sampling of responses:

• “We are moving IntApp from on-prem to the cloud this year.” (250-499 Lawyers)
• “Moving to the cloud in 2026/2027, updating processes to gain efficiencies and finding ways to use AI.” (500-999 Lawyers)
• “We will be revamping our Intake and Conflicts system with Intapp and process with a focus on qualitative risk at intake.” (250-499 Lawyers)

TREND 3: Client Guidelines and Engagement Letters Increasingly Critical — Managing Client-driven Risk Complexity at Scale

On a thematically related note, many respondents noted specific areas of risk workflow process and technology investment, including enhancing their existing software systems, or implementing new software product modules. Two sides of the client compliance coin — Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs) and Engagement Letters — show up prominently and repeatedly as areas of investment focus. Sampling of responses:

• “The Compliance team is currently focused on the development and pilot implementation of an automated engagement letter system. This initiative marks a significant advancement in streamlining client onboarding processes and enhancing consistency in documentation.” (500-999 Lawyers)
• “We have owned [Intapp] Terms for a few years, but other projects keep getting prioritized ahead of it so we haven’t started using it. We are hoping to get it deployed in 2026. Separately, we are excited about Intapp’s external forms for laterals.” (250-499 Lawyers)
• “Looking at OCG software, getting a new screens program.” (100-249 Lawyers)

TREND 4: Structuring and Staffing for Success — Continued Shift to Centralized Conflict Clearance Models

While technology investments offer boosts in risk team productivity and process efficiency, firms are also looking to improve how they staff and organize risk teams. Several noted moves towards a centralized model of conflicts review and clearance, which is a trend that’s been growing for several years. Many highlighted efforts to either grow headcount generally, improve staff skill, or create new specialist focused roles within the risk team.Sampling of responses:

• “We are expanding our conflicts attorney count from 1 to 3, and moving to a model where the conflicts attorneys clear conflicts (rather than the requesting attorney).” (1000+ Lawyers)
• “We would like to add a Conflicts Attorney or 2 to start a new workflow of centralized conflict clearance.” (250-499 Lawyers)
• “To hire two additional team members. Create training opportunities for team members to be able to contribute more and streamline processes and expand our services to more timekeepers.” (250-499 Lawyers)

See the complete article for more samples of participant survey responses

• For firms interested in reviewing the complete survey, including comprehensive risk salary benchmark data, please reach out to Epiq’s Law Firm Advisory practice here. As a sponsor, Epiq has a limited number of copies available for internal use by qualified organizations.

Our latest Sponsor Spotlight from Epiq focuses on Intapp Cloud Migration Assessment and Execution. As anyone who has been through the process knows, cloud migration projects are complex and complicated. The cloud offers significant benefits and tremendous future potential and innovation. But, if you have a long standing software system in place, promises of a super swift journey to replicate today’s workflow and integrations are worth looking at very carefully. Take advantage of the perspective of a third-party expert and consider a thorough “cloud assessment” and planning exercise to minimize cloud migration project risk at your firm. Read more from Epiq:

Ensure business continuity and minimize disruption when migrating Intapp solutions to the cloud.

• Build and execute an Intapp cloud migration plan tailored to your firm’s environment, resources, and budget.
• Use short-term assessment services to create long-term execution strategies.
• Avoid disruptions from product end-of-life and support limitations.
• Achieve milestones based on your cost constraints and preferred timeline, including phased multi-year plans.

Scope, Plan, and Execute a Successful Cloud Strategy

• Migrate existing solutions to the cloud on time and within budget.
• Use enhanced features to speed up workflows, improve compliance, and increase revenue.
• Plan holistically across all products.
• Avoid disruptions from product end-of-life announcements and support limitations.
• Reduce future costs and risks through early action.

Exclusive Support From Epiq for Intapp Cloud Migration Initiatives

• Prepare for cloud migration with a comprehensive review and assessment of systems, data, and business processes.
• Design migration plans that match your budget, resources, and timeline.
• Execute seamless application migrations aligned with your firm’s cloud strategy.

Why Epiq for Intapp Cloud Migration Assessment and Execution

• Over 75 successful Intapp cloud projects completed.
• Benefit from specialized pre-project assessment consulting with in-depth firm reviews and actionable recommendations.
• Proprietary cloud migration tools streamline delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of Intapp products, best practices, data integration requirements, and change management.
• Cloud migration assessment and planning services.
• Deliver ongoing managed service product support, enhancements, and training after go-live.

Let’s get the greatest return on your Intapp investments together: Contact Us.

REMINDER: Epiq Sponsors 2025 Bressler Risk Blog Risk Compensation Survey Report:

• For organizations that did not participate in the 2025 survey, Epiq has secured rights to provide complimentary copies to qualified law firms.
• These are made available at the discretion of Epiq and report PDFs and data are internal use only.
• For more information, and to connect with Epiq directly, please use this form.

Our latest Sponsor Spotlight from Epiq focuses on: “Intapp Intake and Conflicts Consulting” —

Streamline new business acceptance with tailored implementation and integration.

• Accelerate new business acceptance and lateral lawyer intake.
• Build workflows that reflect your firm’s specific data and process needs.
• Consult with experts on risk policy, staffing, and operational management.
• Upgrade existing processes with more efficient technology.
• Modernize practices to align with evolving industry standards.
• Design project plans with expert guidance and partners who advocate for your firm’s interests with the solution supplier.
• Maintain success with responsive managed services and support.

Specialized Support for Intapp Intake and Intapp Conflicts Software Projects

• Review business processes, workflows, and data architecture.
• Align on internal goals and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build and execute solution adoption plans that match firm objectives, IT architecture, and timelines.
• Guide change management and user acceptance with tailored testing, training, and adoption consulting.

Why Epiq for Intapp Intapp Intake and Intapp Conflicts Projects

• Over 100 successful Intapp Intake and Intapp Conflicts projects.
• Unique pre-project consulting on risk policy, workflows, IT architecture, and data integration.
• Tailored system administrators and end-users.
• Cloud readiness preparation and advanced system upgrade consulting for on-premises clients.
• Extensive knowledge of Intapp solutions, data integration, and change management.
• Ongoing managed service support for workflows, forms, and training after go-live.

Let’s get the greatest return on your Intapp investments together: Contact Us.

REMINDER: Epiq Sponsors 2025 Bressler Risk Blog Risk Compensation Survey Report:

• For organizations that did not participate in the 2025 survey, Epiq has secured rights to provide complimentary copies to qualified law firms.
• These are made available at the discretion of Epiq and report PDFs and data are internal use only.
• For more information, and to connect with Epiq directly, please use this form.

Our latest Sponsor Spotlight from Epiq focuses on: “Intapp Cloud Migration Assessment and Execution” —

Ensure business continuity and minimize disruption when migrating Intapp solutions to the cloud.

Build and execute an Intapp cloud migration plan tailored to your firm’s environment, resources, and budget. Use short-term assessment services to create long-term execution strategies. Avoid disruptions from product end-of-life and support limitations. Achieve milestones based on your cost constraints and preferred timeline, including phased multi-year plans.

Scope, Plan, and Execute a Successful Cloud Strategy

• Migrate existing solutions to the cloud on time and within budget.
• Use enhanced features to speed up workflows, improve compliance, and increase revenue.
• Plan holistically across all products.
• Avoid disruptions from product end-of-life announcements and support limitations.
• Reduce future costs and risks through early action.

Exclusive Support From Epiq for Intapp Cloud Migration Initiatives

• Prepare for cloud migration with a comprehensive review and assessment of systems, data, and business processes.
• Design migration plans that match your budget, resources, and timeline.
• Execute seamless application migrations aligned with your firm’s cloud strategy.

Why Epiq for Intapp Cloud Migration Assessment and Execution

• Over 75 successful Intapp cloud projects completed.
• Benefit from specialized pre-project assessment consulting with in-depth firm reviews and actionable recommendations.
• Proprietary cloud migration tools streamline delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of Intapp products, best practices, data integration requirements, and change management.
• Cloud migration assessment and planning services.
• Deliver ongoing managed service product support, enhancements, and training after go-live.

Let’s get the greatest return on your Intapp investments together: Contact Us.

REMINDER: Epiq Sponsors 2025 Bressler Risk Blog Risk Compensation Survey Report:

• For organizations that did not participate in the 2025 survey, Epiq has secured rights to provide complimentary copies to qualified law firms.
• These are made available at the discretion of Epiq and report PDFs and data are internal use only.
• For more information, and to connect with Epiq directly, please use this form.

Our latest Sponsor Spotlight from Epiq focuses on two resources:

Epiq Sponsors 2025 Bressler Risk Blog Risk Compensation Survey Report:

• For organizations that did not participate in the 2025 survey, Epiq has secured rights to provide complimentary copies to qualified law firms.
• These are made available at the discretion of Epiq.
• Report PDFs and data are internal use only.
• For more information, and to connect with Epiq directly, please use this form.

Epiq Intapp Software and Business Process:

• Implement and enhance Intapp solutions to achieve your firm’s unique business and operational objectives.
• Get the greatest possible return on your Intapp investments.
• Implement new Intapp products, or migrate existing solutions to the cloud, on time and on budget.
• Adopt sophisticated system capabilities and best practices to meet your firm’s business and operational needs.
• Streamline the client lifecycle from engagement through billing using proven expertise and actionable insights.
• Leverage AI, enhance data integration, and automate workflows for more efficient administration.
• Accelerate critical business workflows, improve compliance, and capture greater revenue.

Our team includes former Intapp product leaders, law firm operations managers, technology, business process, and subject matter experts. We  have executed over 1000 successful Intapp projects and support: Intapp Intake, Conflicts, Terms, Walls, Time, Billstream, DealCloud, Workspaces, and Collaboration.

Read more about Epiq Intapp Software and Business Process solutions.