Ep2 From Solo Lawyer to Head Legal Beagle: Building a Tech-Savvy Legal Team with Kate Sherburn
Is Your Small Legal Team Ready for a Tech Makeover?
This episode showcases how Kate Sherburn scaled her small legal team at Who Gives a Crap using tech, simplified processes, and creative strategies to maximise impact without increasing headcount.
We explore:
Building confidence and strong internal relationships as a legal leader.
Using tech to scale legal operations and streamline processes.
Simplifying contracts to align with brand values and improve usability.
Securing budget by solving business pain points with data-driven results.
Why emotional intelligence is essential in a tech-powered legal world.
"Emotional intelligence is the superpower lawyers need most in the age of AI."
— Kate Sherburn, Head Legal Beagle, Who Gives a Crap
In Episode 02 of Legal Lightbulbs, Verity White chats with Kate Sherburn about her inspiring journey from private practice to leading a purpose-driven legal team at Who Gives a Crap. Kate shares how she built confidence in her abilities, embraced technology to scale legal operations, and aligned her team’s work with the company’s bold sustainability mission.
The episode kicks off at [00:39] with Kate’s transition from private practice to an in-house legal role, where she discovered her potential and overcame self-doubt. At [03:15], she emphasizes the necessity of building relationships within in-house teams to ensure collaboration and trust. The discussion around leveraging technology to create scalable legal processes begins at [04:36], with Kate sharing how she implemented matter intake systems and self-serve contracts to handle a growing workload efficiently.
By [13:59], Kate reflects on the challenges and learnings from implementing matter management tools and how to secure stakeholder buy-in. The conversation transitions to contract design and simplification at [17:29], highlighting how plain language and creative design can reflect brand values. Finally, the episode wraps up at [29:31] with a lightning round where Kate shares her favorite productivity tools and invaluable insights into legal leadership.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Let’s recap the secrets of productive contracts
1. BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES
The “how” of lawyering: managing processes, reporting, and working with law firms. Align team priorities with organisational goals.
2. FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS
Don’t jump straight to tech. Focus on team priorities and processes first.
3. START WITH SCALABLE PROCESSES
Use tools like SharePoint to centralise templates and precedents. Make it easy to navigate and use.
4. EMBRACE CONTRACT DESIGN
Communicate early, train in small steps, and involve the team. Build trust in new systems.
5. REFLECT & LEARN
Assume no budget. Identify pain points, show ROI, and include hidden costs like training and IT time.
6. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MATTERS
Define success and track metrics (e.g., template usage or contract speed). Use simple tools like Excel to monitor trends.
Episode Highlights
Go-To Productivity Tool: Kate loves the Pomodoro Method, using the Forest app to maintain focus and balance.
Advice for In-House Lawyers: Reframe your role as a "strategic partner" rather than a "cost center."
Recommended Resource: Radical Candor by Kim Scott, emphasising the importance of giving constructive feedback effectively.
Legal Light Bulb Moment:
"The rise of tech and AI makes emotional intelligence even more important. Communication and relationships are the uniquely human skills that define effective lawyers and business partners."
LINKS
Connect with Kate Sherburn: LinkedIn
Connect with Verity White: LinkedIn
Radical Candor by Kim Scott: Learn More
Forest Pomodoro Method App: Learn More
Contract Simplification Case Study (Who Gives a Crap): Read Here
The Boilerplate Playlist: Listen Here
Head to the The Checklist Boutique for access to the other templates and examples mentioned in the show.
