#33 - Legal Ops Is Not a Service Org! With Shiela Dusseau, Head of Legal Ops, Ferring Pharma

In this episode of "Pearls On, Gloves Off," host Mary O'Carroll sits down with Sheila Dusseau, whose transition from finance to legal operations has been nothing short of a masterclass in adaptability and strategic thinking.

1. Busting Myths: Shiela and Mary debunk common misconceptions about legal ops. Sheila advocates for a shift in perspective, from seeing legal ops as mere 'support' to recognizing it as a crucial 'partnership' or 'collaboration' within the organization.

2. The Transparency Imperative: A candid moment unfolds when Sheila recounts a conflict arising from a misinterpretation of her role, underscoring the necessity for clear communication and a deep understanding of legal ops across the company.

3. Evolving with AI: Sheila and Mary explore how AI is revolutionizing the legal ops landscape, enhancing the value and intelligence of professionals in the field.

4. GCs as Catalysts for Change: The dialogue shifts to the role of general counsels (GCs) in framing legal ops within leadership teams. Sheila underscores the need for GCs to engage more proactively and transparently with legal ops as equal partners.

5. Prioritizing Impact: A pragmatic discussion ensues on managing 'support' type requests. Sheila shares her strategy of prioritizing impactful projects aligned with organizational goals over indiscriminate task acceptance.

6. Strategic Value and Continuous Learning: The episode wraps up with Sheila’s powerful insights on delivering tangible results, embracing continuous learning, and the importance of innovative thinking in propelling the organization forward.

Join us for this enlightening conversation where pearls of wisdom meet the unvarnished truth about the evolving world of legal operations. Don't miss Sheila Dusseau's invaluable insights on "Pearls On, Gloves Off with Mary O'Carroll."