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of learning tools for future projects to be performed by the organization. A recent study estimates that almost $10 trillion is spent every year on projects worldwide, an amount equal to about 25 per cent of the world's gross product. In another recent study of 200 different companies from 30 different countries, it was found that more than half of all projects fail and only about 2.5 per cent of all companies consistently meet their objectives for scope, time, and costs in their projects. The high failure rate of projects worldwide and the huge financial losses incurred as a result of such failures has motivated thousands of companies to adopt project management principles and, in many cases, to hire people with a project management professional certifi- cation to manage their projects. The recent recession has caused clients to demand better value for legal services. Instead of accepting the traditional hour- ly billing model, clients are increasingly requesting alternative fee arrangements, such as fixed fees, caps, and blended rates. In order to meet these demands, law practices must become more efficient in providing legal services. They must lower their internal costs, maintain or improve their quality of service, and still manage to make a profit. This requires following project management principles. Law practices have been slower to adopt project management than other types of businesses. However, it is worth noting that few, if any, law practices that have adopted the principles ever stop using them. It is clear the legal profession is beginning to recognize both the value and necessity of project management. Project management software A wide variety of software is available to assist in managing projects. Some examples include: • Word processing software such as Word and WordPerfect, which can be used to produce many different types of project documents such as the project charter and the project scope statement; • Spreadsheet software such as Excel and Lotus, which are useful for producing project documents such as the project budget; ntitled-2 1 • Specialized project management software such as Microsoft Project, which can be used to produce docu- ments such as Gantt charts and net- work diagrams as a part of the pro- ject schedule; and • There are also many online project management tools such as Basecamp that make collaboration easier. Some of them are even free: web2Project.net and others that are aimed specifically at the legal business like onit.com. In my next article, I will give a more detailed discussion of some project management knowledge areas and how they relate to the practice of law. Jason Leung practises intellectual prop- erty law and is the director of knowledge management at Ridout & Maybee LLP in Toronto. Jason can be contacted at jleung@ridoutmaybee.com N. Murray Edwards Chair in Jurisdiction and Business Law The "N. Murray Edwards Chair in Jurisdiction and Business Law" was created in 2009 through the generosity of N. Murray Edwards, a Calgary businessman, a prominent philanthropist in the city, and one of the key individuals involved in the building of Canadian Natural Resources Limited, one of Canada's largest resource companies. The Faculty seeks applications from scholars with an international reputation in either constitutional law and policy (with a particular emphasis on provincial-federal relations) or corporate law (including securities law), and with some experience in the natural resources sector. The Chair holder will provide intellectual leadership and mentoring in the Faculty of Law and within the broader community and will be a leading researcher facilitating research collaboration within and beyond the Faculty. The Chair holder will teach in areas related to the mandate of the Chair in the JD and graduate law programs, conduct an independent program of research, supervise graduate students, and provide appropriate committee and administrative service to the Faculty and the University. Depending upon his or her area of expertise, the Chair will have the opportunity to take a leadership role in the Faculty's Centre for Resources, Energy and Environmental Law. The Chair will be appointed to the Faculty of Law as either an Associate or Full Professor for an initial term of 5 years and will be eligible for renewal. The Faculty of Law offers a JD degree, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, an LLM degree (by thesis or course work) and has a small PhD program. The Faculty has a student body of 300 JD students and 45 graduate students and a complement of 19 full time equivalent faculty members. The Faculty's recently adopted strategic plan focuses on resources, energy and environmental law (also the focus of the graduate program) and professional skills development as two areas in which the Faculty seeks to build excellence and enhance our international reputation. For further information about the Faculty see www.law.ucalgary.ca The Faculty of Law is one of the supporting Faculties of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE, www.iseee.ca) and the School of Public Policy (http://policyschool.ucalgary.ca) and the Chair will have an opportunity to collaborate with researchers in these centres. Interested individuals should provide a letter of interest and a complete curriculum vitae by September 30, 2011 to: Dr. Ian Holloway, QC Chair, Selection Committee N. Murray Edwards Chair in Jurisdiction and Business Law Faculty of Law, University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 Phone: (403) 220-5447, Email: lawdean@ucalgary.ca The Faculty anticipates filling the position by January 1, 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter. The Selection Committee will commence its deliberations as of September 30 but will continue to receive applications until the position is filled. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Calgary respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com A U GUST 2011 19 7/11/11 9:53:31 AM