In the rapidly evolving world of law, in-house legal departments often encounter the challenge of striking a balance between addressing corporate compliance and effectively collaborating with other teams. Isolation, or being perceived as inaccessible, can be a common issue plaguing these professionals. As highlighted in a recent article published by the New York Law Journal, seamless integration within a company is a must for the legal department.
Mark Klein, the general counsel of Burford Capital, shared his insightful perspective on this topic. He highlighted a metaphorical approach to the role of legal departments: “You want to be oxygen.” His simple yet powerful declaration essentially encapsulated the concept of indispensability – that each department within an organization should be like the air its employees breathe.
Klein further explained the importance of approachability. He stated that if legal teams come off as obstructive or complicating, people in the organization would naturally avoid them. The key to overcoming this isolation, according to Klein, lies in ensuring legal departments are seen as accessible, helpful, and an integral part of the overall corporate mechanism.
The subject encapsulates an indispensable conversation for all legal professionals to have, as it pertains to establishing a more integrative and efficient work structure.