Three years ago, Littler Mendelson president Marko Mrkonich met with 11 of his partners to discuss hiring plans for a novel position: national e-discovery counsel — an expert who could help the firm’s attorneys and clients navigate the increasingly complex process of e-discovery.

Most partners at the meeting liked the idea, but senior litigator Kevin Lilly had some reservations. “I was skeptical,” says Lilly. “I wasn’t sure if he’d add to the firm’s bottom line; I didn’t know if we needed him.”