#LPMHQ Archive

#LPMHQ is a positive, progressive educational space for current and future legal project managers, process improvement specialists and pricing professionals. We focus on providing a learning environment to share ideas and best practices. There is no membership required. #LPMHQ is open to both practicing lawyers and business of law professionals including legal operations professionals from law firms, in-house legal teams, alternative legal service providers and consultants who have an interest in learning or sharing their relevant experiences. We strive to be open minded and discuss ideas with people sharing different views. You get out of these chats what you put in. So be candid. Come ready to share.

Wednesday October 17, 2018
12:00 PM EDT

  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    WELCOME TO #lpmhq Topic: The Significance of LPM Certifications. Please introduce yourself, where you are from & what you do in legal. The chat starts... RIGHT NOW!
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    Welcome Rick! Doing well so far! #lpmhq
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    Hi everyone! Lauren Mueller here, based in Minneapolis. Former LPM, current Customer Success Manager. Excited to talk certifications! #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:01 PM EDT
    Welcome Lauren from Minneapolis! #LPMhq
    • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:00 PM EDT
      Hi everyone! Lauren Mueller here, based in Minneapolis. Former LPM, current Customer Success Manager. Excited to talk certifications! #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Q1: Do you have a LPM-specific certification? If so, from where? #LPMHQ
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Hey Rick. Where are you from? #lpmhq
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Hi all, I'm based in Atlanta, but originally from MN. I'm a Legal Project Manager with an emphasis on process and analytics. #LPMHQ #TrueToAtlanta
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    I focus on information-governance and e‒discovery consulting and project management. I'm based in the Twin Cities, MN, USA #lpmhq
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:03 PM EDT
    MN represents! #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:03 PM EDT
    Welcome Micah from Atlanta! #lpmhq #hotlanta
    • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
      Hi all, I'm based in Atlanta, but originally from MN. I'm a Legal Project Manager with an emphasis on process and analytics. #LPMHQ #TrueToAtlanta
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:04 PM EDT
    Hi Paul from the Twin Cities! Welcome! #lpmhq
    • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:02 PM EDT
      I focus on information-governance and e‒discovery consulting and project management. I'm based in the Twin Cities, MN, USA #lpmhq
  • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:04 PM EDT
    I obtained my project management certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2004. So I'm an official PMP. And dang that test was hard. I had planned on studying over the course of 6 months but ended up cramming for 3 weeks. #LPMHQ
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:04 PM EDT
    I don't have any LPM-specific certifications, though I'm PMP certified. Interested to hear the pros/cons of legal-specific programs. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:05 PM EDT
    Q2: Do you think LPM certifications are valuable on a personal level? Internally and/or externally? #LPMHQ
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:05 PM EDT
    Welcome Kim! #lpmhq
    • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:04 PM EDT
      I obtained my project management certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2004. So I'm an official PMP. And dang that test was hard. I had planned on studying over the course of 6 months but ended up cramming for 3 weeks. #LPMHQ
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:05 PM EDT
    Me too! I was also monitored on a camera the entire time I took the test. A tad nerve-wracking #lpmhq
    In reply to @kim_craig
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:06 PM EDT
    When answering a question please indicate a number to coincide with a question. EX: When answering Q1, use A1 in your tweet and be sure to hashtag #LPMHQ
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:06 PM EDT
    I have one from the "International Institute of LPM" which I didn't do much to get. They contacted me and offered it up. Probably to build up the branding/reputation. They also made me a fellow of the IILPM for my "contributions to the field of LPM" #Q1 #LPMHQ
    In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:07 PM EDT
    Kudos to you! #lpmhq
    • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:06 PM EDT
      I have one from the "International Institute of LPM" which I didn't do much to get. They contacted me and offered it up. Probably to build up the branding/reputation. They also made me a fellow of the IILPM for my "contributions to the field of LPM" #Q1 #LPMHQ
      In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    A2: Hard to say without knowing more specifics, though I do see value in having a legal focus. PMI is a great framework, but requires a lot of finesse in a law firm! #lpmhq
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    Credentials become more valued as an industry/profession matures. E.g., E-discovery and the CEDS certification. And Project Management general and the PMP. No LPM-specific certification with wide recognition, but more legal employers looking for PMPs. #lpmhq
  • Rick_A_K Oct 17 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    I have a PMP from the Project Management Institute which I obtained before I got into Legal. #LPMHQ
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:09 PM EDT
    I personally think LPM and PM are two different things and only some elements of traditional PM are really implement in "LPM". I think that LPM specific credentials are still an unknown in weight and quality despite having one as they are so new. #A1 #LPMHQ
    In reply to @LaurenAblan
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:10 PM EDT
    A2. One oft-overlooked value of credentials are ethical requirements. But needs to have some bit. E.g. PMI ethical complaint procedure (https://t.co/o6vKJ0hV6D) #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    And yet there are so many places that certify? Is it more self fulfilling? #lpmhq
    • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:09 PM EDT
      I personally think LPM and PM are two different things and only some elements of traditional PM are really implement in "LPM". I think that LPM specific credentials are still an unknown in weight and quality despite having one as they are so new. #A1 #LPMHQ
      In reply to @LaurenAblan
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    A1: Agree, though I will say the PMI claims PM is 90% communication, and I have found that holds true in LPM as well! #lpmhq
    In reply to @MJAscano
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:12 PM EDT
    Q3: Do you think LPM certifications are valuable for entry level positions/hiring? #LPMHQ
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:12 PM EDT
    No widely accepted LPM credential, but seeing PM baked into other credentials like Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) #aceds #ediscovery #lpmhq
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:12 PM EDT
    The cert is just a feather in our cap if you have experience. Learning more is good, but that isn't really what you are paying for with a cert, it's for the paper. For younger professionals, I think it shows genuine interest in the area even if they lack experience. #A2 #LPMHQ
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    Welcome David! Be sure to include the #lpmhq
    • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:03 PM EDT
      First tweet ever for me too
      In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    #LPMHQ. I am a PMP thru PMI. Project management is a discipline that is based upon years of evolution and experience. I do not see how industry specific spin offs without the same vetting process are comparable.
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    A3 - PMP is not really an entry-level credential. Need 5-years exp. Entry-level credentials are useful to show interest and dedication, but not experience. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:14 PM EDT
    Interesting. As a follow up, how many are offering LPM classes in law schools? #lpmhq
    • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:13 PM EDT
      A3 - PMP is not really an entry-level credential. Need 5-years exp. Entry-level credentials are useful to show interest and dedication, but not experience. #lpmhq
  • Rick_A_K Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Certifications are only as good if the organization providing them are doing so based on capabilities of the people who are getting them. That doesn't mean just attending a session, but actually showing you can do something. #A2 #LPMHQ
  • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Q3: I primarily hired PMPs because I found the credentialing as an important indicator of how serious they took the profession and discipline. Whether it be LSS, PM, Scrum or any other discipline, I think you should learn the core B4 tailoring it to your industry/culture. #LPMHQ
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Agreed. Many of the LPM Certs seem to be put out by for profit consulting groups. #LPMHQ #A2
    In reply to @david_rueff
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Certification shows recognition of peers, dedication to a profession, and *should* show adherence to ethical guidelines. Certifications without ethical framework are lacking. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    Excellent! #lpmhq
    • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:13 PM EDT
      #LPMHQ. I am a PMP thru PMI. Project management is a discipline that is based upon years of evolution and experience. I do not see how industry specific spin offs without the same vetting process are comparable.
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    I think it is. People seem to respect "Lean Six Sigma" credentials (of which I also have), but there is also no unifying or certifying body that sets standards of which all Six Sigma credentials comply. #LPMHQ #A1
    In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    Yes, if only to show actually interest in the field/subject versus applying to any old job. Valuable to show knowledge, I'm more skeptical. #A3 #LPMHQ
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    Excellent point! #lpmhq
    • Rick_A_K Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
      Certifications are only as good if the organization providing them are doing so based on capabilities of the people who are getting them. That doesn't mean just attending a session, but actually showing you can do something. #A2 #LPMHQ
  • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    #LPMHQ we are at a very early stage of pm evolution in Legal. LPM is designed for what we think lawyers will do now. I value the core discipline because it can help us see what is missing and possible in the future
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    @MJAscano Agreed. Most LPM certifications are money-making schemes. That isn't to say a for-profit can't put out a meaningful credential. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    Lol! #lpmhq
    • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
      @MJAscano Agreed. Most LPM certifications are money-making schemes. That isn't to say a for-profit can't put out a meaningful credential. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:19 PM EDT
    Q4: From what you've seen of LPM certifications so far, what do you think should be changed? #LPMHQ
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:19 PM EDT
    I fully agree. #LPMHQ
    In reply to @paulceaston
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:20 PM EDT
    Does anyone find the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) valuable in legal environments? Is agile a better fit than "waterfall" in legal environments? #lpmhq
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:20 PM EDT
    For LPM, who should be that certifying body and ethical enforcer? #LPMHQ?
    In reply to @paulceaston
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:21 PM EDT
    Have we discussed if the certifications are for JDs or just people in the discipline or both? #lpmhq
    • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:18 PM EDT
      #LPMHQ we are at a very early stage of pm evolution in Legal. LPM is designed for what we think lawyers will do now. I value the core discipline because it can help us see what is missing and possible in the future
  • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:21 PM EDT
    I and members of my team launched a full semester course on LPM/LPI at Chicago-Kent last year. It was a smashing success. But was just the fundamentals of LPM. As this group knows, it takes yrs and yrs of exp. I believe we need to seed these skills early with lawyers. #lpmhq
    In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • LaurenAblan Oct 17 @ 12:22 PM EDT
    I don't have the certification, but think this is a good point. I often tried to get litigation teams to think of their cases in 'sprints', if you will. Easier than saying you must plan everything #lpmhq
    In reply to @paulceaston
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:22 PM EDT
    Q4 - I think we need a credential from the ground up. Either industry-specific credential & BOK backed by PMI+ABA (or similar partnership) or a non-profit created for the purpose of building an LPM BoK. #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    Bok - Book of Knowledge. #lpmhq
    • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:22 PM EDT
      Q4 - I think we need a credential from the ground up. Either industry-specific credential & BOK backed by PMI+ABA (or similar partnership) or a non-profit created for the purpose of building an LPM BoK. #lpmhq
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    To my knowledge about a half dozen schools are offering an LPM or related class. #LPMHQ
    In reply to @thisisakiliao
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    Excellent way of gating people! I like this idea. #lpmhq
    • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:15 PM EDT
      Q3: I primarily hired PMPs because I found the credentialing as an important indicator of how serious they took the profession and discipline. Whether it be LSS, PM, Scrum or any other discipline, I think you should learn the core B4 tailoring it to your industry/culture. #LPMHQ
  • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    It depends. We found in most cases, a modified agile/scrum approach worked better than waterfall for lit & xactional matters. There were certain projects w/ less variability where we could build effort based waterfall plan and stick to it. #LPMHQ
    In reply to @paulceaston
  • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:25 PM EDT
    We tried a combined ABA PMI cert a few years ago. It doodle not work because the ABA does not provide certs #LPMHQ
  • paulceaston Oct 17 @ 12:26 PM EDT
    @micah For any LPM cert 'enforcement' is only going to be stripping cert. if violations of ethical rules are broken. I think PMI provides a good model for this. Can get tricky with LPM, though. Could lawyers have ethical duties that conflict with traditional PM ethics? #lpmhq
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:27 PM EDT
    What have you learned from today's chat? Final thoughts? #lpmhq
  • david_rueff Oct 17 @ 12:27 PM EDT
    We also prioritize PMP. We use LPM certs or training to help our team know where to focus now. I have found that the PMP cert is more valuable to clients #LPMHQ
  • MJAscano Oct 17 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    I think having one non-profit unifying body under one unified definition of qualifications and BOK would be needed. But as @david_rueff pointed out LPM is still very early in its adoption and development. #q4 #LPMHQ
  • Rick_A_K Oct 17 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    The reputation of the certification holders will build acceptance and value of the credential. I think running programs through schools is a great way to provide real unbiased recognition of accomplishment #LPMHQ
  • kim_craig Oct 17 @ 12:29 PM EDT
    People seem to forget this or don't know this at all & discredit the PMP certification. B4 you can even apply you must have been a practitioner for years! And then, like I said, the test is not a piece of cake. I keep up my PDUs because I never want to have to retake it! #LPMHQ
    In reply to @paulceaston
  • thisisakiliao - Moderator Oct 17 @ 12:30 PM EDT
    Thank you for coming ready to share and being open. Stay tuned for the next chat! This has been #LPMHQ