It’s Not the Technology, It’s the People: Change Management in Legal Ops

The “People, Process, Data, Tech,” framework emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people and processes before turning to technology solutions within an organization. A Norton Rose Fullbright article posits that while technology can enhance operations, it is merely an enabler and requires a solid foundation of streamlined processes and skilled, motivated personnel to be effective. This approach is key when focusing on change management in Legal Ops.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, in-house legal teams face increasing demands and changes, including technology integration, hybrid working models, and talent shortages. Most legal teams are being asked to do more with less, causing major changes to their working practices. These changes directly affect employees’ jobs, careers, motivation, and performance, as well as talent pipelines and retention rates. 

Legal Ops professionals need to change the behavior of their teams and garner their commitment and enthusiasm to implement changes demanded by the business. They must prioritize creating a positive, supportive environment that fosters employee engagement, development, and resilience to successfully navigate these challenges.

To address common concerns such as maintaining motivation during change, developing future-proof skills, and supporting employee well-being, Legal Ops professionals can take specific actions:

• Maintain clear, transparent communication to reduce uncertainty and build trust.
• Celebrate successes and involve team members in the change process to foster ownership and engagement.
• Involve team members with the change by sharing thinking and gathering feedback to empower employees.
• Invest in management capability development to empower leaders to motivate, develop, and retain team members.
• Create an environment where employees feel supported, heard, and able to manage workloads and stress effectively.
• Provide access to mental health resources and normalize conversations about well-being.

As the role of in-house legal teams evolves, effective change management in Legal Ops becomes increasingly critical to success. By dedicating resources and energy to cultivating positive practices, organizations can adapt to change, promote employee growth and well-being, and thrive in the future.