Frances Pomposo, Senior Director of Legal Technology Solutions at Cisco, offers deep insights into the evolving landscape of legal operations. She and her host discuss the fading role of the 'strategic generalist' and the rise of specialized positions like data analytics. They dive into hiring challenges, debating the pitfalls of flawed recruitment processes. Additionally, the conversation unveils the trend of companies favoring external consultants over in-house teams, and highlights the pressing need for global standards in legal ops roles.
The evolving nature of legal operations is driving a shift from generalist roles to specialized positions that align more closely with organizational strategies.
Inconsistent change management practices in legal operations highlight the need for a cohesive job architecture to support the profession's growth and stability.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Legal Operations Roles
Legal operations roles are currently at an inflection point where their nature is evolving from primarily tactical tasks to more strategic functions that align with the organization's goals. Frances Pomposo discussed the shifting expectations for legal operations professionals, noting that while tactical responsibilities are still critical, there is an increasing demand for roles that enhance strategic leadership, acting as the right hand to General Counsels (GCs). This shift is attributed to changes in the general counsel's role, with a greater emphasis on operational strategy and integration with business objectives. The landscape is diverging as organizations seek specialized skills in areas like data management and technology, potentially diminishing the generalist approach that has characterized legal operations in its infancy.
Challenges in Change Management
One significant issue in the evolution of legal operations is the perceived failure in change management practices within the field. Pomposo pointed out that the grassroots approach to establishing the role has led to inconsistent messaging and advocacy, making it difficult for new professionals to navigate the landscape. Many organizations relied heavily on early advocates to push forward with legal operations, but this reliance has not built a strong foundation for ongoing growth and stability. To address these challenges, there is a need for a cohesive framework that defines job architecture and specialization, ensuring that future legal operations professionals have a clear pathway and robust support.
Rising Specialization and Its Implications
The specialization within legal operations has notably increased, with teams now hiring for specific technical competencies rather than seeking generalists who manage multiple functions. This transition reflects the growing complexity of the legal operations landscape, where organizations prefer individuals who excel in particular areas such as e-billing, outside counsel management, or data analytics. While this trend indicates a matured understanding of the roles necessary in legal operations, it also points to a potential narrowing of opportunities for professionals seeking to develop a broad skill set. As organizations continue to evolve, the challenge will be to balance specialization with the comprehensive oversight that junior professionals may still require.
The Future Landscape and Global Expansion
Looking forward, the legal operations field is poised for significant growth, especially on a global scale, as emerging markets begin to adopt more established frameworks. Pomposo highlighted that while U.S. practices have influenced the role, there is substantial potential for legal operations to flourish internationally, particularly in regions like Brazil where communities are actively engaged and passionate about these roles. This excitement presents an opportunity for legal operations to redefine itself and establish best practices that can be adapted across different legal systems. However, as the field grows, it is crucial for legal professionals to take initiative in shaping their career paths by actively participating in advocacy and community-building efforts.
When Mary posted a question about the state of legal ops on LinkedIn, she didn't expect to spark such intense debate. But the responses revealed what many have been quietly wondering: has legal operations reached a turning point?
In this episode, Mary sits down with Frances Pomposo, Senior Director of Legal Technology Solutions at Cisco, to dig into this thorny question. With her deep experience in tech companies and time on CLOC's board, Frances brings a unique perspective on where legal ops has been—and where it might be heading.
In this episode:
· The Unicorn Dilemma: Remember when legal ops professionals were expected to do it all? Mary and Frances explore why that "strategic generalist" role seems to be fading, and what that means for the profession.
· Splitting at the Seams: As legal ops splinters into specialized roles like data analytics and vendor management, is this evolution or fragmentation? And does it matter?
· Hiring Horror Stories: Frances gets real about what happens when companies hire for legal ops without really knowing what they need—and how to avoid this common pitfall.
· The Consultant Question: Are companies bypassing internal legal ops teams for external expertise? Mary and Frances tackle this trend head-on.
· Going Global: Why the lack of consistent standards for legal ops roles worldwide is becoming a real problem, and what we can do about it.
· The Big Question: Can legal ops recapture its revolutionary spirit, or is it destined to become just another corporate function?
If you've been feeling the shift in legal ops—or wondering if you're imagining it—this conversation will hit home. Join Mary and Frances for an honest look at where legal ops stands today, and what it'll take to shape its future.
