Rethinking Legal Ops Skills: Generalists Versus Specialists

A thought-provoking discussion is unfolding in the legal operations community regarding one intriguing question: Should legal operations professionals strive to be generalists or specialists?

The conversation is timely as the marketplace consolidates and companies grapple with the best way to fill valuable and limited headcount allotments. It also highlights the evolving landscape of legal operations and the changing demands on its practitioners.

The Evolution of Legal Ops

Over the past decade, the field of legal operations has undergone significant transformation. Initially strictly focused on streamlining processes and reducing costs, the role has expanded to include various responsibilities driven by technological advancements and heightened industry expectations. Key areas of expansion include:

• Digital Transformation: The shift towards digital tools has revolutionized how legal departments operate, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on manual processes.
• Data Analytics: The ability to analyze large datasets has enabled more informed decision-making, providing insights into legal spend, performance, and risk management.
• Technology Implementations: The rise of specialized software for contract lifecycle management (CLM), e-discovery, and legal project management (LPM) has increased focus on technical acumen and project management skills.
• Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI and machine learning are becoming integral to business operations, aiding in tasks from document review to predictive analytics.
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: As legal departments handle sensitive information, the emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with data privacy regulations has intensified.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Legal ops increasingly works closely with IT, finance, HR, and other departments to align strategies and achieve broader business objectives.

Core Competencies: Then and Now

Initially, legal operations professionals were valued for their versatility. As the role evolved, generalists were essential because they could juggle multiple tasks and adapt to various demands, effectively becoming the “utility player.” However, as the industry has matured, the need for specialized skill sets has become more apparent.

Traditional skills such as the ability to manage diverse tasks, perform project management duties like coordinating and overseeing initiatives, and bridge gaps between departments as a skilled communicator remain critical. However, many companies increasingly find value in hiring legal operations professionals with specific expertise in technology implementations and data analytics.

Further, as generative AI becomes more widely adopted, deep knowledge in AI, cybersecurity, or data privacy becomes more valuable. The ability to provide strategic and comprehensive insights and integrate specialized initiatives with broader business goals has never been more critical. 

Despite these changes, many of the core competencies of legal operations remain essential and continue to require a broad, wide-ranging perspective — qualities typically found in generalists.

The Case for Generalists

Generalists continue to play a crucial role in legal operations. Their broad skill set enables them to integrate various functions and drive holistic improvements. Key advantages include:

• Versatility: Generalists are adaptable and can pivot quickly in a dynamic environment where needs and priorities change frequently, and individuals need to wear multiple hats. 
• Strategic vision: By understanding various legal operations functions, generalists can provide a balanced perspective and make informed decisions that align with overall business goals.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Thanks to their ability to understand the broader context, generalists excel in working across departments, ensuring alignment and seamlessly integrating different functions.
• Change management: Their broad perspective enables them to tailor the messaging to individual stakeholder groups and manage change more effectively within the organization.

The Case for Specialists

Specialists bring deep expertise that can drive innovation and efficiency in specific areas. Their contributions are especially valuable in niche projects where in-depth knowledge is crucial. Advantages of specialists include:

• Innovation: Specialists can lead transformative initiatives and develop innovative solutions within their area of expertise, such as implementing specialized technologies, incorporating AI tools, or building out a robust data analytics function.
• Expertise: Their deep knowledge and insights within their domain are essential for keeping up with trends and rapid advancements, particularly in technology.
• Optimization: By leveraging their expertise, specialists can optimize the use of resources, including time, technology, and personnel, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Efficiency: Specialists can perform tasks within their area of expertise more quickly and accurately. 

Organizational Considerations

When deciding on filling a particular legal ops role with a generalist or specialist, organizations should consider several factors, including team size, budget, and strategic priorities. Smaller teams with limited budgets benefit more from bringing on versatile generalists to fill permanent positions and take advantage of temporary specialized resources (ALSPs) for projects that require niche expertise.

Conversely, larger teams or teams with ongoing specialized projects may be better served by adding expert resources to their permanent roster. Most organizations will benefit from a blend of generalist and specialist skills to cover all of their needs effectively and make adjustments to their staffing model based on changing business priorities and industry demands.

The Ultimate Legal Ops Leader: A T-Shaped Professional

From the legal ops professionals’ perspective, does it serve them better to strive to be a flexible generalist or a skilled specialist?

The answer depends on their individual career goals, as well as the organization they are (or want to be) part of.

However, striving to be T-shaped — or having a broad range of skills across the core legal ops competencies (the horizontal line of the T) with deep expertise in one or two specialized areas (the vertical line of the T) — might be the most prudent approach.

A T-shaped professional offers the versatility and adaptability most legal ops roles require while possessing the deep knowledge necessary to execute projects within their area of expertise successfully.

The T-shaped model supports continuous learning and adaptability, encouraging legal ops professionals to keep enhancing their skills and knowledge to stay relevant.

By blending a wide-ranging skill set with specialized expertise, T-shaped professionals are well-positioned to drive operational excellence and strategic innovation within their organizations.

Conclusion

The debate on the benefits of legal ops generalists versus specialists reflects the field’s constant evolution and the growing impact of legal ops on shaping the businesses they serve.

While specialists are essential for driving innovation in specific areas, generalists bring a well-rounded perspective necessary for comprehensive organizational growth.

Ultimately, organizations will be best served by combining the strengths of both generalists and specialists to navigate the complex, ever-evolving landscape of legal operations and continue to nurture and develop legal ops professionals to ensure they evolve in alignment with changing business needs.