Technically Legal - A Legal Technology and Innovation Podcast

Building and Documenting Better Legal Workflows: Insights from Systemology Author David Jenyns

Apr 3, 2025

David Jenyns, author of 'Systemology' and a business systems expert, shares enlightening insights on systemizing legal workflows. He dispels the myth that legal work can't be standardized, showcasing how proper documentation can enhance scalability and creativity. Jenyns outlines his seven-step Systemology framework and highlights the crucial role of a 'systems champion' in fostering a systems culture. He offers practical tips to start systemizing processes, emphasizing that even bespoke legal work benefits from structured systems.

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ANECDOTE

Jenyns's Systemology Journey

David Jenyns's journey to systemology began with his own SEO business.
After becoming a father, he realized he needed a business less dependent on him.

INSIGHT

Systems Background

Jenyns's systems focus came from his experience and his father's influence.
He initially resisted systems in his digital agency, believing it was too fast-paced and creative.

INSIGHT

Systems Solve Problems

Business problems often stem from system issues.
Systemization involves identifying what works and making it repeatable, benefiting everyone involved.

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In this episode, author of "Systemology" and business systems expert, David Jenyns, discusses the importance of systemizing business processes, even in the nuanced field of law. Jenyns debunks the myth that legal work is too bespoke to be systemized, explaining how just like any other business, documenting legal workflows unlocks scalability and creativity. He shares his journey from digital SEO agency owner to becoming a systems expert and outlines the seven steps of his Systemology framework.

Key Topics:

The importance of documenting processes in any business, including legal services.
How systemization can create space for creativity in legal work.
The Systemology framework and its seven steps: Define, Assign, Extract, Organize, Integrate, Scale, and Optimize.
The role of a "systems champion" in implementing a systems culture.
Addressing common misconceptions about systemizing legal work.
Practical tips for getting started with systemizing processes.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction and guest introduction: David Jenyns
[00:02:00] David Jenyns's background and journey to systemology
[00:08:00] The importance of a systems culture
[00:12:00] Addressing the question: Why systemize?
[00:15:00] Systemizing bespoke work, specifically in the legal field
[00:20:00] The seven steps of Systemology
[00:21:00] Step 1: Define
[00:28:00] Step 2: Assign
[00:30:00] Step 3: Extract
[00:33:00] Step 4: Organize
[00:37:00] Step 5: Integrate
[00:46:00] Step 6: Scale
[00:50:00] Step 7: Optimize
[00:54:00] Where to start with systemizing processes
[00:56:00] Conclusion

Resources Mentioned:

Systemology by David Jenyns
System Hub software (systemhub.com)
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Technically Legal Podcast
Systemology Podcast (Mentioned interview with Crow Estate Planning firm)
Systemology Website: systemology.com

Episode Credits

Editing and Production: Grant Blackstock

Theme Music: Home Base (Instrumental Version) by TA2MI

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