In celebration of UpLevel Ops' 10th anniversary, Stephanie Corey engaged in a revealing discussion with Reese Arrowsmith, EVP for legal operations at Fox Corp. The dialogue traced the evolution of the legal operations profession and delved into its future trajectory.

The conversation highlighted the crucial, albeit often overlooked, role of document management as a foundation for effective AI implementation in legal departments. Arrowsmith emphasized the importance of identifying key moments that can drive technology adoption and outlined the essential skills that legal ops leaders must develop to remain vital in an AI-driven landscape.

The Enduring Necessity of Legal Ops Amidst AI Integration

Contrary to the fears of some, Arrowsmith reassured that the role of legal operations is not diminishing; instead, it is expanding. As new technologies are integrated, the complexity of managing the interdependencies between various tools increases, necessitating skilled oversight.

Divergent Paths in Legal Ops: Building Basics vs. Embracing AI

Arrowsmith described two prevailing scenarios in legal operations today. Some organizations are still laying the groundwork—establishing budget controls, e-billing systems, and staffing processes. Others, having established these basics, are poised to revolutionize their operations through AI, potentially flipping traditional practices on their head over the coming decade.

Engage with the Full Conversation

For those intrigued by the evolving landscape of legal operations and its intersection with emerging technologies, the full discussion between Corey and Arrowsmith, available via YouTube, provides deeper insights into how legal departments can navigate these changes effectively.

This comprehensive dialogue not only sheds light on the current state of legal ops but also forecasts its progression in the face of rapid technological advancements, making it a must-watch for legal professionals aiming to stay ahead in their field. For more details, visit the episode linked [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/10/whats-next-for-legal-operations/).

The original content is hosted by Above the Law, a leading legal industry platform providing up-to-date news and insights.