Legal Operations: Five Key Steps for Your 2025 Budget Planning

According to Lauren Burnside of Mitratech, legal operations professionals should start now to streamline their 2025 budget planning. These key steps will ensure that the budget is approved before the new year.

The first step is reflecting on the previous year’s performance, focusing on what worked, areas for improvement, and data-driven justifications for your budget needs. This helps align your budget with organizational goals and provides a solid foundation for future requests.

Next, set clear priorities to build a roadmap for the upcoming year. For example, if your legal team saw higher returns from technology investments, prioritize reallocating underperforming resource expenditures to increased technology adoption. Engaging key stakeholders early in the process is critical to securing buy-in and aligning priorities. Holding pre-budget meetings, sharing early drafts, and using data to justify your proposals will ensure the necessary support to streamline the approval process.

A detailed budget proposal should follow, including past performance reviews, prioritized needs, expense breakdowns, cost-benefit analyses, and an implementation timeline. This thorough approach increases the likelihood of approval by presenting a clear, strategic plan. Additionally, leveraging tools and technology, such as AI-driven software, can simplify tracking spending trends, enhance transparency, and provide real-time data that boost stakeholder confidence.

Finally, staying agile after the budget is approved is essential for responding to shifting priorities or unforeseen challenges. Regularly reviewing your spending and adjusting as necessary ensures that the legal department meets its goals while demonstrating adaptability. 

With careful planning, early engagement, and the right tools, your 2025 budget planning can become a strategic asset that drives value in the coming year and beyond.