The workload for in-house legal teams continues to grow, bringing increased complexity and pressure to deliver results efficiently. From navigating evolving regulatory and compliance requirements to managing high volumes of contract reviews, the demands on in-house legal teams are higher than ever. Now is the time to consider the functional measures you can put into place to scale the legal team’s support of the business. Whether it's implementing (or changing) workflows or processes, or leveraging technology, starting the year by improving operational efficiency will set your team up for success in 2025 and beyond, boosting productivity and aligning with business goals.
What
Processes are the detailed, step-by-step guides that bring order to the chaos. They ensure that your team approaches every task—whether it’s managing risks or processing high-volume agreements—with consistency and clarity.
Why
Without a consistent approach, you’re stuck reinventing the wheel every time a new task comes in. That means more stress, more errors, and less time for strategic work. Efficient processes ensure tasks progress smoothly, reduce delays, and allow your team to focus on impactful projects. You can also leverage systems to automate certain tasks within a workflow, creating further opportunity for your team to focus on strategic work.
How
Start by documenting your go-to processes. Identify the repetitive tasks that bog your team down, then streamline them with technology like contract lifecycle management (CLM) software. Automate approvals and enable template-based agreements where appropriate. Even simple actions like standardizing contract playbooks can make a world of difference in improving operational flow.
What
Task management technology centralizes how your legal team handles non-contract related requests, tracks progress, and keeps your team on top of deadlines.
Why
Inbox-based task management might have worked when the workload was lighter and stakes lower. Now, it’s just a recipe for disorganization and delays. Using dedicated tools boosts transparency, reduces the risk of oversights, and helps you showcase your team’s hard work with quantifiable data.
How
Implement legal-specific project management tools like LinkSquares Prioritize to centralize task intake and streamline assignments. These platforms allow you to see who’s handling each task, its status, and when it’s due. You’ll not only reduce the chaos but give your team the bandwidth to focus on higher-value work, turning task management into a strategic advantage.
What
Continuous improvement is about proactively evolving your processes and practices. By regularly assessing and optimizing your processes and system workflows, you ensure your team can adapt to both expected growth and unforeseen challenges.
Why
What works in January may be outdated by June. A mindset of constant refinement keeps your team nimble and aligned with business goals, showcasing your value as strategic business partners, instead of just reactive problem solvers.
How
Make data-driven decisions by tracking key metrics like contract turnaround times or stakeholder satisfaction. Hold quarterly retrospectives to identify wins and areas for growth, and invest in tools that provide real-time insights into team performance. Small adjustments—like fine-tuning a workflow or automating a routine task—can add up to big efficiencies over time.
Sure, being on an in-house legal team has its fair share of challenges, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like an uphill battle every day. By implementing efficient processes, leveraging task management technology, and committing to continuous improvement, you’ll not only survive 2025—you’ll thrive. After all, when the chaos clears, your team’s full potential can shine. Find out how to stay updated with legal trends by connecting with LinkSquares today.