Mastering Legal Operations: 3 Unexpected Lessons For Success In A Dynamic Field

Navigating the world of legal operations can feel as unpredictable as the weather. In a recent conversation with Adam Becker, director of legal operations at Cockroach Labs and a CLOC board member, I delved into the twists and turns of his journey from law firm associate to a leading figure in legal ops — a role that didn’t even exist when he graduated from law school. Adam’s path is a testament to the evolution of the legal field and offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic space. Here are three unexpected takeaways from our conversation.

1. Curiosity Is Your Most Valuable Asset

One of the most striking aspects of Adam’s career trajectory is his unwavering curiosity. For Adam, curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have trait — it’s the cornerstone of success in legal operations. Being curious means constantly asking questions about how things work, why certain processes are in place, and how they can be improved. This trait allows legal ops professionals to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new challenges as they arise.

Adam’s advice? Never stop learning. Whether it’s understanding the latest technological advancements in the legal field or exploring new ways to streamline processes, staying curious keeps you engaged and proactive. In a rapidly evolving landscape like legal ops, where new problems surface daily, curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving.

2. The Power Of The “For Now” Job

Many professionals view a job as a stepping stone to something bigger — a “for now” role. Adam’s perspective on this is refreshingly different. Instead of seeing these roles as mere placeholders, he views them as opportunities to gain experience, build skills, and prepare for the next big leap. A “for now” job is not about complacency; it’s about strategically positioning yourself for future opportunities.

Adam emphasizes the importance of having a clear end date or milestone for these transitional roles. This helps maintain focus and ensures that you are actively working towards your long-term career goals. By treating each job as a learning and earning opportunity, you can turn even a temporary position into a meaningful chapter in your career narrative.

3. Build Your Own Board Of Advisors

Navigating your career, especially in a field as dynamic as legal ops, requires more than just professional skills — it demands a solid support network. Adam highlights the importance of building a personal “board of advisors” — a group of trusted individuals who can offer diverse perspectives and honest feedback. This group isn’t limited to traditional mentors; it can include former managers, peers, direct reports, or even professionals from different industries.

What’s key, Adam notes, is maintaining these relationships over time and being open to their input, even when it’s not what you want to hear. The insights and advice from your board of advisors can provide clarity and direction, helping you navigate career changes, seize new opportunities, and avoid potential pitfalls.

Embrace The Unexpected In Legal Ops

Adam Becker’s journey in legal operations is a powerful reminder that success in this field isn’t just about following a set path; it’s about being adaptable, staying curious, and leveraging every opportunity for growth. By embracing these three unexpected lessons — cultivating curiosity, treating every job as a strategic opportunity, and building a strong network — you can navigate the unpredictable landscape of legal operations with confidence and creativity.

For those looking to dive deeper into Adam’s experiences and gain more insights on thriving in legal ops, be sure to check out the full episode. It’s packed with practical tips and strategies to help you turn challenges into opportunities and build a successful career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and  Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.