10 Things to Avoid When Building an In-House Legal Function from Scratch
Starting an in-house legal function at a fast-growth company is one of the most exciting - and daunting! - jobs a lawyer can take on. The opportunity to build something from the ground up is unique. But without the right guardrails, it’s also easy to burn out or create a function that the business sees as slow and irrelevant.
Here are ten common mistakes to avoid if you’re setting up a legal team from scratch.
1. No Priorities
In the first few weeks, you’ll see dozens of issues that need attention. You can’t fix everything at once. Work with senior stakeholders to agree the top priorities, set them as your goals, and focus on those.
2. Not Streamlining Processes
Legal processes need to be simple and fast to support growth. Audit what’s working, outsource repetitive tasks, and use your existing tech stack before shopping for new tools.
3. Being an Island
You can’t do this alone. Partner with Sales, Finance, and HR to fill in commercial gaps quickly. The fastest way to burn out is to try to handle everything yourself.
4. Being Scared of Numbers
The language of business is numbers, not legal arguments. Learn the basics of your company’s financials and work closely with Finance. It will give you context for risk decisions and credibility with leadership.
5. Being Scared of Data
Data is your ally. Even simple metrics like turnaround time or contract volume can help you show value, track performance, and secure resources. Present data visually and regularly.
6. Not Outsourcing
Don’t waste headcount or your own time on repetitive work. ALSPs and contractors are flexible, cost-effective, and a powerful way to keep deals moving.
7. Not Automating
In the age of AI, manual processes slow you down. Identify tasks that can be automated, and start experimenting with tools. Even small automations will save hours and reduce risk.
8. Having No Goals
Without clear goals, Legal will end up being pulled in every direction. Define team objectives that align with company priorities, and share them openly. Track progress and report back.
9. Ignoring Simplicity
If your advice is too slow or too complicated, people will move ahead without you. Keep your guidance short, actionable, and easy to find. Show you’re a partner, not a blocker.
10. Outdated Service Levels
Old-fashioned, lawyer-heavy approaches don’t work in modern businesses. Think lean: outsourcing, automation, and AI. Save headcount for work that’s complex and fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these pitfalls will help you build a legal function that scales with the business and earns respect across the company. Focus on priorities, embrace modern tools, and never lose sight of the wider goals.
If you’d like to learn more about building a future-fit legal function, message me to find out about my services or sign up for the newsletter.
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