Defining a Value Proposition to Transform the Legal Department

In a recent Legal Leaders Exchange podcast, Wolters Kluwer’s Jennifer McIver interviewed Jim Michalowicz of TE Connectivity, exploring strategies, beginning with a value proposition, legal ops professionals can use to transform the legal department. 

Legal ops teams must identify their mission and department’s value proposition to align their work with business objectives such as risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and financial impact. By prioritizing these objectives, legal ops professionals become strategic partners to the business. 

In the podcast, Michalowicz emphasized the importance of defining productivity within the context of a legal department’s specific goals. He explained that productivity goes beyond doing more with fewer resources; it’s about achieving measurable results. By focusing on operational efficiency, measurable outcomes, and alignment with the organization’s objectives, the legal team can transform into a vital driver of business success.

Transformation means change, which almost always encounters some resistance. However, by addressing areas where inefficiencies cause frustration, legal teams can win over key stakeholders. Process and technology updates, even when they enhance efficiency, are often perceived as disruptive. 

To ease the transition, Michalowicz recommended introducing the change to the person or team most affected by existing inefficiencies. As the results become evident, other team members will be more motivated to adopt the changes. Gradually, this will foster a culture of innovation and ongoing improvement.

Strategic alignment with organizational goals is essential. For example, task-based budgets and resource forecasts from outside counsel ensure cost management while meeting the organization’s priorities. Michalowicz summarized the discussion by observing that legal teams can position themselves as indispensable strategic partners by focusing on measurable outcomes, data-driven decisions, and streamlined practices.