For years, businesses viewed legal departments as support functions that handled contracts, compliance, and risk management. They were not viewed as strategic contributors to business growth. Today, however, a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage empowers general counsel (GCs) to lead change, optimize workflows, and make data-driven decisions that boost the bottom line.
Today’s growing legal landscape expects GCs to act as business leaders, not just legal advisors. They must improve efficiency, manage risk, and align their teams with company strategy. Embracing a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage transforms legal operations from a reactive, cost-centered function into a proactive force that supports long-term business goals.
Watch the full conversation with Rachita Maker here:
Rachita Maker on the Power of Legal Ops
Rachita Maker, Vice President of Legal Operations and Compliance at Data Communications, has seen firsthand how Legal Ops transforms in-house legal teams. She explains that the most effective legal departments do not focus solely on legal expertise. Instead, they leverage data, technology, and structured processes to work efficiently and align with business priorities.
According to Maker, “The legal function is no longer just about reviewing contracts or managing compliance. A well-structured Legal Ops team helps GCs make data-driven decisions, manage risk proactively, and improve overall business outcomes.”
From Cost Center to Business Partner
One major challenge legal teams face is being seen as a cost center. Without clear metrics, legal spend can appear to be an unavoidable expense rather than a strategic investment. Fortunately, Legal Ops changes this perception by introducing measurable efficiencies.
For example, by optimizing outside counsel management, improving contract turnaround times, and streamlining compliance, Legal Ops ensures that legal teams not only react to problems—they prevent them. Maker highlights the importance of tracking key legal metrics such as contract cycle times, legal spend, and risk exposure. When legal teams provide executives with data-backed insights, they shift from a support role to a strategic business partner.
Making Legal Tech Work: Legal Operations Strategic Advantage in Action
The rise of legal technology has made automation and analytics more accessible than ever. AI-powered contract review, workflow automation, and data dashboards can dramatically boost efficiency. However, without a clear strategy, technology adoption may lead to frustration rather than results.
A strong Legal Ops team ensures that tech investments are purposeful and effective. Instead of adopting every new tool, they focus on selecting the right technology, ensuring seamless integration, and driving adoption within the legal team. In doing so, legal tech becomes a force multiplier that frees up lawyers to focus on higher-value work, while providing GCs with real-time data for better decisions.
Managing Change with a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage
The legal industry is evolving rapidly. Remote work, digital contracts, and increasing regulatory complexity demand agile teams. Yet, many legal departments struggle with change management.
Legal Ops plays a crucial role in ensuring that new processes and technologies are implemented successfully. Whether it’s rolling out a new workflow, adopting AI-driven contract review, or restructuring legal services, Legal Ops helps make transitions smooth. Maker emphasizes that adapting to change is no longer optional. In contrast, legal teams that embrace a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage stay competitive.
How GCs Can Strengthen Their Legal Operations
For General Counsel looking to build or enhance their Legal Ops function, integration is key. Legal Ops should be embedded in the overall legal strategy rather than treated as an afterthought. By giving Legal Ops a voice in business planning, GCs can proactively support company goals instead of merely reacting to legal issues.
Moreover, setting clear success metrics—such as efficiency gains, cost reductions, and risk mitigation—demonstrates the value of a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage. In addition, encouraging collaboration across departments (especially with finance, IT, and procurement) ensures that the legal function fully aligns with business operations.
Final Thoughts: The Future is a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage
A Legal Operations Strategic Advantage is not just about making processes run smoother; it is a true strategic differentiator. The most forward-thinking GCs use legal operations to redefine what legal can achieve, turning legal departments into proactive partners that shape the future of the business. In short, the legal teams that invest in a Legal Operations Strategic Advantage today will lead tomorrow.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 1, Episode 13 (ft. Rachita Maker)
Join the Conversation
At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.
What’s been your biggest breakthrough moment in your legal career? Let’s talk about it—share your story.
