Exploring the Role of Legal Chief of Staff in Your Career Trajectory

The field of Legal Ops is relatively new, with almost half of legal departments hiring their first Legal Ops professional between 2018 and 2022. An article by Priori highlights a webinar featuring Carol Hopperton, Vonage’s Legal Chief of Staff, and Stacy Lettie, Chief of Staff to the General Counsel at Organon. They shed light on the responsibilities, qualifications, and career trajectory associated with the role of Legal Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities. The Legal Chief of Staff serves as the strategic director of legal department operations, collaborating with the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer to align departmental goals with business objectives. Legal Chiefs of Staff focus on strategic planning and decision-making and oversee various aspects such as resource allocation, budget management, project management, and cross-functional initiatives. 

Qualifications. While a law degree is beneficial, it’s not a prerequisite for the role. However, Legal Ops professionals, in-house counsel, and others interested in this role should try to get as much experience in the legal department as they can. Experience in strategic planning, legal processes and technology, financial analysis, efficiency best practices, data analytics, and communication with leadership is invaluable. In addition, networking within industry organizations and staying updated on legal industry trends help in gaining more varied experience.

Career trajectory. When evaluating a Legal Chief of Staff role to ensure a good fit, you need to consider such factors as the reporting structure, involvement in decision-making, team dynamics, and alignment with company goals.

Overall, while the Legal Chief of Staff role presents exciting opportunities for career growth within Legal Ops, exploring various paths within the legal department will help you find the right fit.