Everything you need to know about ‘GenO: The rise of legal operations’

Step into the dynamic world of the rising legal operations professional in “GenO: The Rise of Legal Operations,” where authors Prashant Dubey and Mike Haven take you on an journey through the evolution of the legal ops role.  

From its humble beginnings to its pivotal role in modern enterprises, legal ops professionals have transformed from behind-the-scenes support to strategic powerhouses driving innovation and value. Through captivating stories and sharp analysis, Dubey and Haven reveal how these multidisciplinary experts have revolutionized the legal landscape, making legal ops a cornerstone of corporate strategy and operations. 

Dive into our exclusive Q&A with the authors to uncover their inspiration behind the book, the origin of the term “GenO,” and the exciting future awaiting legal operations professionals. 

Q: What inspired you to write a book about legal operations?

Dubey: The inspiration came from the inaugural Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) conference in 2016. It was an energizing gathering of more than 500 professionals, all focused on a burgeoning domain. Despite the lack of official designations in their companies, these professionals shared common challenges and aspirations. This unity and the rapid evolution of legal operations as a profession inspired me to document their journey.

Haven: When Prashant and I discussed the evolution of this community, we realized how essential it had become not just for law departments but for organizations overall. Our conversations highlighted the profession’s rapid growth and its critical role in value creation within corporations. This realization motivated us to bring this book to life together. 

Q: How has the role of legal ops evolved since its inception?

Dubey: Legal operations started as a support function, handling legal IT, facilities management, and administrative staff. However, it quickly became a strategic enabler for general counsel, helping them secure a place at the business strategy table. The profession evolved from being transactional and tactical to becoming strategic and indispensable almost overnight. 

Mike Haven: The evolution has been remarkable. Initially, in-house legal departments were seen as less prestigious compared to outside counsel. But as corporations faced increasing regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical risks, the need for quick, on-site legal consultation grew. This led to the rise of high-performing in-house legal teams and, subsequently, the emergence of legal operations as a critical function. 

Q: What challenges did in-house legal teams face that led to the rise of legal operations? 

Dubey: In-house legal teams were often seen as the “Department of No,” where deals went to die. They struggled with the pace of business transactions and the expectation to deliver quick, yet thorough, legal decisions. This pressure highlighted the need for a more efficient and integrated approach to legal management, paving the way for legal ops.

Haven: The traditional law practice, with its slow and cautious approach, was at odds with the fast-paced business environment. In-house teams had to adapt to new expectations, moving away from billable hours to service level agreements. This shift required a new breed of professionals who could bridge the gap between legal expertise and business needs, leading to the rise of legal operations.

Q: Can you explain the concept of “GenO” and its significance? 

Dubey: “GenO,” or Generation Operations, represents the new wave of legal operations professionals who have transcended the profession’s roots. These professionals are not just focused on efficiency but are true business enablers. They play a critical role in maximizing revenue, minimizing risk, and accelerating cycle times within their organizations. 

Haven: The significance of GenO lies in its rapid development and strategic importance. Legal ops professionals have become indispensable, driving value creation and innovation within corporations. Their ability to apply legal principles at the speed of business transactions makes them crucial players in today’s corporate landscape. 

Q: What was the process of co-authoring this book like for both of you? 

Dubey: Co-authoring a book is challenging, especially with hectic schedules. However, focusing on “pure intent” and trusting each other’s creative freedom made the process rewarding. Our partnership brought diverse viewpoints, enriching the dialogue and the final work product. 

Haven: It was a journey of mutual trust and collaboration. We had to balance our professional commitments while ensuring the book reflected our shared vision. The process strengthened our friendship and professional relationship, making the experience truly fulfilling. 

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from this book? 

Dubey: We hope readers will gain a deeper understanding of the legal operations profession and its evolution into GenO. The stories of the professionals featured in the book highlight their trials, triumphs, and the human aspect of their journeys. We want readers to appreciate the critical role Legal Ops plays in modern enterprises. 

Haven: Our goal is to showcase the transformative impact of legal operations on businesses. By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire current and future legal ops professionals and emphasize the importance of their work in driving organizational success. 

To learn more about trends in legal operations, watch our webinar here.