11 September 2024

In August, we examined the broader expectations of legal teams — beyond traditional ‘legal’ work. We also explored how to balance competing priorities in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Anna Golovsky, Executive Manager, Legal & Company Secretariat Operations at IAG and Richard Holbeach, General Counsel & Company Secretary at Healthscope, discussed the evolving responsibilities of in-house teams. Their discussions were wide-ranging and insightful.

Expanding Roles

• Legal teams are increasingly expected to manage broader business functions beyond traditional legal tasks, including governance, compliance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and risk management.
• This expansion requires legal departments to operate more like business units, focusing on strategy, budget management, and technology integration.

The Importance of Legal Operations:

• The role of legal operations has become crucial in adapting to these expanded responsibilities.
• Legal teams are taking a business-oriented approach to managing legal services, including procuring legal resources and data management.
• Legal operations skills are essential for effectively managing budgets, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, and demonstrating value to the organisation.

Challenges in Adapting to Non-Legal Responsibilities:

• Legal professionals often face difficulties when taking on responsibilities outside their areas of legal expertise.
• This requires them to develop a growth mindset, become comfortable with operational expertise, and learn to lead cross-functional teams while balancing core legal duties.

Need for Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

• Lawyers and legal teams need to continuously develop their skills in data governance, business process management, and people leadership.
• Engaging, and networking, with broader industry ecosystems, such as legal operations conferences, is crucial for staying informed about best practices and successfully managing transitions.