Why The GC-Legal Ops Partnership Is More Critical Than Ever
The future of in-house legal isn’t about working in silos — it’s about working together. The post Why The GC-Legal Ops Partnership Is More Critical Than Ever appeared first on Above the Law.
Legal Operations has evolved into a vital strategic function, helping in-house legal teams navigate today’s increasingly complex business landscape. As companies face growing regulatory demands, financial pressures, and the rapid adoption of AI, the partnership between General Counsel and Legal Ops has never been more important.
By working together, GCs and Legal Ops leaders can ensure that legal departments are not only efficient but also proactive, business-aligned, and future-ready. The strongest legal teams are those where these two roles collaborate seamlessly, leveraging each other’s strengths to create greater value for the business.
The Evolution of the GC-Legal Ops Relationship
Not long ago, Legal Ops was often seen as an administrative function — important but secondary. That perception has changed. Today, Legal Ops is not just about process efficiency; it’s about equipping legal teams with the tools, data, and insights they need to operate at peak performance.
GCs are balancing an ever-expanding list of priorities — managing risk, controlling costs, supporting business objectives, and now, navigating the complexities of AI. Legal Ops plays a key role in helping legal departments meet these demands, ensuring that legal teams are well-positioned to support the broader business.
When GCs and Legal Ops leaders are aligned, legal departments become more strategic, agile, and effective. Without that alignment, Legal Ops risks being underutilized, and legal teams may miss opportunities to operate at their full potential. The best outcomes come when Legal Ops and GCs work as true partners.
Key Focus Areas for GCs & Legal Ops in 2025
To get the most from this partnership, legal teams should focus on four key areas:
No. 1: Strategic Planning & Alignment
A well-defined legal strategy is critical to ensuring the legal department is not just reactive but actively driving business success. Legal Ops plays a crucial role in operationalizing the GC’s vision — aligning legal’s goals with broader corporate objectives, creating strategic roadmaps, and implementing key initiatives. By integrating legal priorities into enterprise planning, legal teams can proactively mitigate risk, enhance efficiencies, and deliver measurable business value.
No. 2: Financial & Vendor Management
With rising legal costs and increasing budget pressure, Legal Ops can help GCs structure outside counsel relationships to drive better value. Teams that move toward fixed fees and outcome-based pricing models often achieve cost savings while improving budget predictability.
No. 3: Enterprise-Wide Collaboration
Legal teams don’t operate in a silo — success depends on strong collaboration with finance, procurement, HR, IT, and other departments. Legal Ops helps ensure legal services are delivered efficiently across the business, breaking down silos and strengthening cross-functional relationships.
No.4: Technology & AI Integration
AI is rapidly changing the way legal work gets done. Legal Ops can help GCs navigate this shift — identifying the right tools, ensuring responsible AI adoption, and optimizing processes so legal teams can focus on high-value work. As AI continues to evolve, GCs who tap into Legal Ops expertise will be better positioned to leverage these advancements effectively.
A Shift Toward Community & Collaboration
As the legal function continues evolving, legal leaders recognize the power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Communities like LINK x L Suite are helping General Counsel and Legal Ops professionals connect, exchange ideas, and build best practices together.
By fostering these conversations, legal leaders can build stronger partnerships and stay ahead of emerging challenges.
What’s Next for the GC-Legal Ops Partnership?
The legal industry is evolving rapidly, and the GC-Legal Ops partnership is more important than ever. As legal teams adapt to new business realities — shifting expectations, AI-driven transformation, and ongoing financial pressures — those who embrace collaboration will be best positioned for success.
Legal Ops and GCs bring unique and complementary strengths to the table. When they work together, legal departments become more strategic, more efficient, and more impactful.
The future of in-house legal isn’t about working in silos — it’s about working together. And the GC-Legal Ops partnership is the key to making that happen.
Stephanie Corey is a co-founder and CEO of UpLevel Ops. Stephanie also co-founded LINK (Legal Innovators Network), a legal operations organization exclusively for experienced, in-house professionals. She previously founded the legal operations trade organization CLOC (Corporate Legal Operations Consortium) and is a former executive member. Please feel free to contact and connect with her on LinkedIn.
The post Why The GC-Legal Ops Partnership Is More Critical Than Ever appeared first on Above the Law.
