A recent report reveals how corporate legal teams are utilising technology to drive innovation and navigate digital transformation. Findings highlight expanded roles, increased technology adoption, AI integration, automation trends, and a shift towards data-centric approaches.
Legal Operations Embrace Digital Transformation: Report Findings
A recent report titled “Legal Operations at a Crossroads: Understanding How Corporate Legal Teams Are Driving Innovation and Navigating Digital Transformation in Unique Ways” sheds light on how corporate legal departments are leveraging technology to enhance their services. The report, supported by Neota Logic, iManage, and LegalMation, collects insights from 30 legal operations leaders.
Key Findings:
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Expanding Roles: 93% of respondents indicated that the role of legal operations professionals has expanded, with a focus on demonstrating ROI and using metrics to measure impact. Sandra Aldi, Chief Marketing Officer at Neota Logic, highlighted that legal teams are now collaborating more effectively with departments like HR, finance, and procurement.
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Technology Adoption: 70% of the respondents noted that new technology applications have raised the profile of legal departments. Michael Powers, Global Director of Product Marketing at iManage, explained that legal teams are shifting from being service providers to strategic business units, increasingly adopting project management and change management practices.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): 80% of leaders reported using AI, with 50% incorporating generative AI to reduce time and costs. Thomas Suh, Co-founder and COO of LegalMation, emphasized the importance of leadership buy-in and practical, purpose-built AI solutions.
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Automation and Self-Service: 53% of departments are using self-serve applications and cross-departmental solutions. Sandra Aldi pointed out that legal operations teams are maximizing existing technology investments and incorporating workflow tools like those offered by Neota.
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Data-Centric Approach: Powers noted the shift towards a data-centric model, enhancing the ability to unlock valuable data points from documents and integrating them into dynamic workflows.
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Managing AI Concerns: Despite the promise of generative AI, 47% of participants expressed concerns. Thomas Suh advised a cautious, strategic approach, likening indiscriminate AI use to using a Ferrari to pull a trailer.
The report underscores the transformative role of technology in legal operations, indicating a trend toward increased efficiency and strategic integration within broader business functions.
