Offerings by law firms beyond legal capabilities

I have written from time to time about the capabilities of law firms that complement their lawyers’ abilities (See my post of Oct. 21, 2005: Faegre & Benson litigation support group; Oct. 17, 2005: a few British firms’ on-line offerings; and Nov. 18, 2007: 7 examples of services offered by law firms.).
A striking example of a strong offering comes from the ABA J., Vol. 94, Oct. 2008 at 57. The US litigation firm, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, has an in-firm team of research analysts and para-professionals to support its attorneys. “That team – which includes more than 100 experts with advanced degrees in biochemistry, neuroscience, electrical engineering, toxicology and other fields – helps create trial exhibits, prepare witnesses, formulate discovery and trial theories, and evaluate complex scientific and technical issues.”
A law department could like that expertise!