Speaker:

Sarah L. Nichols

Strategic Information Management Consulting

Sarah L. Nichols has a twenty five year career in strategic planning and operational effectiveness for information management, research and library functions within the professional services sector.  Most recently, as Global Director of Research and Information Resources, at the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Sarah led a firm wide team of research specialists and other information experts who worked with attorneys to deliver the best possible research and information management services to the firm's clients. Sarah focused on enhancing the portfolio of practice focused digital content available to attorneys via the portal, developing practice specializations within the research staff, and improving the economic efficiency of the division firm wide.  In addition, she and her team collaborated with staff from the Marketing and Business Development, Lawyer Development, and Knowledge Management functions to deliver the tools, training and competitive intelligence required to support the firm's legal research, CLE and other professional development initiatives, as well as contributing to client acquisition and retention activities.

Prior to joining Orrick, Sarah was the Director of West Coast Research and Information Services for McKinsey and Company, a major global management consultancy.  While at McKinsey, she reengineered the West Coast research and knowledge management operation, and designed the first program for providing client direct access to researchers and information specialists. 

In addition to her experience as a strategist and change agent, Sarah has a Master's degree in Library and Information Science with a background in business research and competitive intelligence, having worked primarily in the practice areas of financial services, real estate and healthcare.  She began her professional career doing information management for Keyser Marston Associates, a real estate consultancy, and was a research specialist for several years at McKinsey before moving into the strategic planning and operations arena.