Legal Ops Training: Frameworks, Tools, and Expert Insights

According to Michael Theise of Brightflag, there is a wealth of legal ops training and resource opportunities for newcomers. In this article, he examines options ranging from foundational frameworks to relationship building to ongoing professional development. 

One of the best starting points is the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium’s (CLOC) Core 12 framework. This comprehensive model outlines the essential competencies for legal operations professionals. Studying CLOC’s framework offers a solid foundation for understanding the structure and strategy behind effective legal ops teams.

Another valuable learning resource is Brightflag’s “Legal Ops 101” video series. These free videos cover legal operations fundamentals, provide terminology breakdowns, and present insights into optimizing your team and legal department. The series is ideal for legal ops professionals in their first 100 days on the job, with topics ranging from assessing outside counsel to leveraging legal data analytics. 

In addition to formal training, LinkedIn serves as an important platform for legal ops professionals. Leaders like John Bennett, Stephanie Corey, and Lindsey Marandola regularly share advice and best practices, making LinkedIn an excellent space for networking and sourcing real-world solutions. This active community also helps newcomers get rapid feedback and build professional relationships.

For a more immersive experience, in-person events like the CLOC Global Institute, Legal Ops.com’s Running Legal Like a Business, and the ACC Legal Ops Con offer unique opportunities to engage with peers and industry leaders. These events highlight emerging trends and provide exposure to strategic issues across the field, making them invaluable for learning and networking.

Although legal ops training and resources offer a solid foundation in the basics, staying current is key. The field continuously evolves with new technologies, trends, and best practices. Legal ops professionals can turn to blogs, webinars, and podcasts for ongoing updates and informal learning. Check out podcast options like Technically Legal, CLOC Talk, and The Legal Ops Podcast for flexible, on-the-go insights by experts in the field.