Do I need a legal ops capability?
I get asked this a lot by GCs and whilst no two legal teams are
the same, the answer is typically, "yes you do". That is
if you want to take your team to the next level of performance,
engagement and efficiency. As a former GC, I know how tough that
gig can be, there just isn't the bandwidth to be as strategic
as you would like in terms running your team as a business. That
means having a right-hand person to be your strategic thinker.
Someone who takes ownership of delivering your vision
for the team and drives transformation through leveraging people,
process and technology. Done well you have happy clients and a
happy team. And that's no bad thing.
How do you go about creating the magic?
Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all roadmap, here are some pointers to get you going:
Step 1: Align with Business Objectives
First and foremost, understand your organization's mission and
goals. Align your legal operations strategy with the broader
business objectives. When legal operations is in harmony with the
company's vision, you create a powerful impact.
Step 2: Assess the Current Landscape
Take a deep dive into your current legal operations. Identify
strengths and weaknesses. Analyze data and gather insights. This
assessment will serve as your compass in designing the roadmap.
Step 3: Set Clear Objectives
Define specific, measurable, and achievable objectives for your
legal operations. These objectives should resonate with the
organization's strategic direction. They are your guiding
stars.
Step 4: Prioritize Strategic Initiatives
Not all improvements can happen at once. Prioritize initiatives
based on their potential impact and alignment with objectives.
Remember, it's a journey, not a sprint.
Step 5: Foster Cross-Functional
Collaboration
Success in legal operations hinges on collaboration. Build strong
partnerships with finance, IT, compliance, and other departments.
Together, you can achieve more.
Step 6: Leverage Technology Wisely
Embrace technology solutions that streamline processes, enhance
data analytics, and boost efficiency. Technology is your ally in
modern legal operations, but don't be blinded by fancy toys!
Let benefits rather than features be your guide.
Step 7: Embrace Continuous Improvement
Legal operations is an evolving field. Regularly revisit and refine
your roadmap to adapt to changing landscapes and emerging trends.
Adaptability is key.
Step 8: Communicate and Educate
Transparency is your friend. Keep stakeholders informed about your
roadmap's progress. Educate your team and colleagues about the
value of legal operations. It's a dynamic journey, and
collaboration fuels your progress.
Top tips for new legal operations leaders
If you are about to embark on a new role as a Legal COO or Head of Legal Ops, here are three tips to ensure you make magic happen.
> ensure the right chemistry with your GC. You should be the right hand of your GC. This doesn't mean you're two peas in a pod. In fact, it often works best when you bring different skills to the role, the GC should be running the show, whilst you run the shop
> develop the right operating rhythm. Change that is too slow
or too fast is still change, but comes with
the baggage of a frustrated or unsettled team. Real, sustainable
change such as transformation, is change done at the right pace,
taking your team with you
> focus, focus, focus...on the key elements of the strategy. The stuff that, as they say, "makes the boat go faster". It's so easy to be blown off course, especially by lawyer that too often see Legal Ops teams as the "Miscellaneous" team. Stick to the path, they'll thank you in the long run.
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