IMS Legal Strategies: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

IMS Legal Strategies is a global professional services firm specializing in litigation support, expert witness placement, and comprehensive dispute resolution services. With over 30 years of experience, the firm has collaborated with leading law firms and corporations worldwide to enhance legal strategies and protect reputations. IMS offers a full suite of services, including advisory and analytical support, expert witness services, jury consulting, trial graphics, and presentation technology. The company has been involved in more than 45,000 cases and 6,500 trials, demonstrating its extensive expertise in the field.

Mission and Vision

IMS Legal Strategies is dedicated to helping clients succeed by preserving and protecting their reputations and solving complex challenges related to disputes through real-time expertise worldwide. The firm's vision is to elevate clients' legal strategies at every stage, providing innovative and integrated solutions to meet the evolving needs of the legal industry.

Primary Area of Focus

The firm's primary focus is on providing comprehensive litigation support services, including expert witness sourcing, jury consulting, trial graphics, and presentation technology. IMS aims to strengthen legal teams by offering strategic insights and resources that enhance trial preparedness and courtroom effectiveness.

Industry Significance

IMS Legal Strategies holds a significant position in the legal services industry, recognized for its innovative approach to litigation support and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the legal community. The firm's extensive experience and comprehensive service offerings make it a trusted partner for law firms and corporations seeking to navigate complex legal disputes.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

IMS Legal Strategies aims to provide integrated solutions for every phase of dispute resolution, from pre-litigation strategy to post-trial support. The firm's objectives include delivering high-quality, client-focused services, fostering innovation, and maintaining a collaborative approach to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The firm's areas of specialization encompass:

• Expert Witness Sourcing and Placement: Identifying and placing qualified expert witnesses across various industries and disciplines.

• Jury Consulting and Research: Conducting jury research, focus groups, and mock trials to inform trial strategies.

• Trial Graphics and Visual Advocacy: Developing compelling visual presentations to effectively communicate complex information.

• Presentation Technology: Providing seamless integration of technology to support trial presentations.

Key Technologies Utilized

IMS employs advanced technologies in its services, including:

• Vulcan Interactive: A custom jury research software developed by First Court, integrated into IMS's offerings to enhance jury consulting capabilities.

• Data Analytics Tools: Utilized for financial, economic, and statistical analyses to support litigation strategies.

• Visual Presentation Software: Tools for creating impactful trial graphics and presentations.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

IMS Legal Strategies serves a diverse range of markets, including:

• Law Firms: Providing support for litigation and trial preparation.

• Corporations: Assisting in managing legal disputes and protecting corporate interests.

• Insurance Companies: Offering services related to claims evaluation and litigation support.

• Healthcare Providers: Collaborating on life care planning and medical expert services.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held company, IMS Legal Strategies does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, the firm has demonstrated significant growth through strategic acquisitions and expansions, indicating a strong financial position. Recent acquisitions include First Court, MacKenzie Life Care Planning, and MMR Strategy Group, which have enhanced the firm's service offerings and market reach.

Pipeline Development

IMS Legal Strategies continues to expand its service offerings through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The integration of First Court has bolstered its jury research and consulting capabilities, while the addition of MacKenzie Life Care Planning has enhanced its advisory services for cases involving significant injuries. The firm remains focused on identifying and integrating complementary services to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Vulcan Interactive: A custom jury research software developed by First Court, now integrated into IMS's services to enhance jury consulting capabilities.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilized for financial, economic, and statistical analyses to support litigation strategies.

• Behavioral Science: Applied in jury consulting to understand decision-making processes.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Predictive Modeling: Employed in data analytics to forecast litigation outcomes and inform strategies.

Leadership Team

James Crane: Chief Executive Officer

• Professional Background: Former commercial litigator with experience in high-risk litigation for Fortune 50 clients.

• Key Contributions: Instrumental in the 2019 acquisition of The Focal Point, expanding the firm's expert witness services to include integrated strategy, jury consulting, trial graphics, and trial presentation services.

Steven Hickson: Chief Financial Officer

• Professional Background: Senior financial leader with experience in driving organizational growth and establishing strategic partnerships in growth-stage organizations.

• Key Contributions: Leads the firm's financial and merger/acquisition activities, serving on the Executive Committee and supporting key company initiatives.

Phil McCarty: Chief Growth Officer

• Professional Background: Over 30 years of industry expertise, including leadership roles in top AmLaw 200 firms.

• Key Contributions: Shapes and executes strategic initiatives to foster innovation and enhance the client experience, overseeing expansion into new markets globally.

Amy MacKenzie: Head of Life Care Planning

• Professional Background: Certified Life Care Planner with expertise in traumatic brain injury cases and experience developing life care plans for both plaintiff and defense clients.

• Key Contributions: Leads the integration of MacKenzie Life Care Planning into IMS, enhancing the firm's advisory services for cases involving significant injuries.

Leadership Changes

Recent significant changes within the company's leadership include the appointment of Amy MacKenzie as Head of Life Care Planning following the acquisition of MacKenzie Life Care Planning in November 2024. This strategic move aims to strengthen the firm's advisory services for cases involving substantial injuries.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The litigation support and consulting industry is characterized by a growing demand for integrated services that encompass expert witness sourcing, jury consulting, trial graphics, and presentation technology. Firms are increasingly focusing on technological innovation and comprehensive service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the legal community.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the industry include:

• Baker McKenzie Spain: A global law firm offering a wide range of legal services.

• Sidley: An international law firm providing comprehensive legal services.

• Gibson Dunn: A global law firm known for its litigation and trial services.

These firms compete with IMS Legal Strategies in various aspects of litigation support and consulting services.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

IMS Legal Strategies has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including:

• First Court: Enhanced jury research and consulting capabilities.

• MacKenzie Life Care Planning: Strengthened advisory services for cases involving significant injuries.

• MMR Strategy Group: Expanded litigation surveys, advertising claim substantiation, and marketing research services.

Operational Insights

IMS Legal Strategies differentiates itself through its integrated approach to litigation support.