TelePresence System Reduces Travel
In July 2009, we became the first international legal practice to adopt TelePresence, a state-of-the-art meeting technology, in six of our offices across the US. Heralded by The National Law Journal as “the future of law firm communication”, this technology allows us to meet with our colleagues and clients virtually, thus eliminating the environmental consequences of travel.
DLA Piper’s TelePresence is currently located in our offices in Baltimore, Chicago, East Palo Alto, New York, San Diego and Washington, DC – with plans to adopt the technology in additional offices in 2010 – including London in February 2010. In addition, we are partnering with Tata Communications to allow our clients and lawyers to use their TelePresence suites located throughout the world. With 11 locations currently available, Tata is planning to expand into more than 40 locations, further augmenting our TelePresence reach and reducing the need to travel.
We anticipate the technology to ultimately save nearly US$1 million annually in reduced travel costs and lost productivity incurred when travelling.