If you've ever faced the uphill battle of implementing legal technology in your organization, you know it's not just about introducing new software; it's about changing the entire approach. Chad Aboud, a seasoned legal operations coach and former general counsel, shares invaluable insights on this topic in a recent episode of “Notes to My (Legal) Self.”

Aboud emphasizes a pivotal shift in perspective: legal tech should not be viewed merely as a tool for solving legal issues but as a catalyst for enhancing overall business performance. The common error, he notes, is that many in-house lawyers present these technologies as solutions to legal problems which often do not resonate with other departments whose primary concerns are revenue, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

The real game changer, according to Aboud, is aligning the capabilities of legal tech with the core objectives of the business. For instance, rather than emphasizing how a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system could streamline legal operations, he suggests highlighting how it can expedite deal closures, improve billing processes, and enhance data accuracy across the organization. This approach not only garners interest but also fosters collaborative support.

Aboud also warns against the premature deployment of technology. He recounts his experience with a portfolio of fast-growing companies where he first addressed inefficiencies in existing workflows before introducing any new tools. His initial "automation" was a simple yet effective locked Word document for Non-Disclosure Agreements that could be filled and accessed by the business team directly, significantly reducing the workload on the legal department without added complexity or cost.

The strategy of securing early buy-in on achievable targets is another cornerstone of Aboud’s approach. He advises focusing on one or two significant impacts that legal tech can deliver and executing them well before expanding scope. This method not only maintains stakeholder engagement but also builds credibility and trust in the legal team’s ability to deliver tangible business benefits.

Aboud’s most compelling message is that successful legal tech implementation is less about the tools and more about the relationships. It starts with understanding and addressing the pain points of various stakeholders within the company. Through empathetic and targeted conversations, legal teams can position themselves as partners in achieving business goals, rather than as gatekeepers.

In conclusion, the key to effective legal tech adoption lies in redefining its purpose: from being perceived as a legal necessity to being an essential business enhancer. For those looking to transform their organization’s approach to legal technology, Chad Aboud’s advice offers a strategic blueprint for not only gaining the necessary buy-in but also ensuring that legal tech investments are aligned with broader business outcomes.