Finalists: Decipher (highly commended); LOD; Obelisk Support.

Legal consultancy Mason & Cook's work-allocation process netted it the supplier innovation award for resource management.

Working with law firm CMS, the project was designed to ensure work is handed out in a fairer, more efficient and consistent manner. That means lawyer engagement is higher (ensuring work is not just allotted to favourites, therefore removing unconscious bias from decision-making), while partners do not have to waste time on resourcing issues.

The system also gives CMS a complete overview of the skills, relationships and experience of every lawyer within the firm and highlights what areas need development. During the pilot period, the firm merged with Olswang and Nabarro; Mason & Cook's system meant that new staff were immediately integrated with existing staff so they would not be overlooked for work due to any unfamiliarity.

The system has already delivered results, improving the over- and under-usage of certain associates, while staff returning from leave or secondments or illness were 60% more likely to be allocated work within their first week back at the firm.

In addition to increasing the perception that work is doled out more fairly, the process has also saved 160 hours of partner time in just four months, with an indirect time saving of more than three times that number.

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