The future ready legal team: Our takeaways from Crafty Fest: Europe

Having listened to my team rave about Crafty Fest in the UK, I had my chance to join in with the action by attending the first ever Crafty Fest: Europe. Crafty Counsel events never disappoint, and this one was no different.

The day was filled with thought-provoking conversations about the opportunities that cross-border teams offer as well as what the future looks like for in-house legal. It was great to explore these ideas in depth with my fellow panellists where we shared ideas and strategies to get in-house legal teams future ready in an evolving landscape.  

Here are my key takeaways:

1. Remote work is opening up exciting talent opportunities‍

Legal teams are less bound by location, meaning they’re able to tap into new regions where low-cost, high-quality talent sits. But it’s putting pressure on the leaders who are managing the talent. How do you maintain a high performing, engaged team who are dotted around the world?  ‍

2. Think outside the box to resource and expand ‍

Permanent headcount is not always the only, or best, option. You can use flexible services to:

• cover projects (or backfill the BAU so your team can cover the projects!)
• establish whether the demand you’re seeing justifies a full-time hire
• plug a gap that you know won’t last forever.  

You can also use it to buy yourself time whilst you plan for the longer-term.

3. Sharpen up your project management skills ‍

Strong project management skills are more important than ever with work becoming more strategic, global and complex. These skills help manage multiple moving parts, ensuring strategic goals are met with efficiency. It’s also a great opportunity to build trust and demonstrate the value of legal in delivering strategic direction.

4. Legal tech & AI: it’s not just talk, it’s changing the role of in-house legal

Who remembers a time where legal tech or AI wasn’t on an event agenda? Whilst AI remains a hot topic, embracing technology and driving it in the right way will mean that legal teams can supercharge their strategic focus, move away from day-to-day tasks and find the joy in their roles. Now that’s something to be excited about! ‍

5. Striking the balance between risk and results ‍

No one wants legal teams to be seen as blockers, but there are moments when it is inevitable. Working closely with the business flexibly and in a solution-focused way helps build trust so when ‘no’ is necessary it feels like guidance, not resistance. Whilst these are difficult conversations to have, they’re an essential part of being a strategic partner to the business.

Crafty Fest: Europe was a fantastic reminder of the exciting opportunities and challenges that face in-house legal teams. The day delivered actionable insights for how leaders can leverage global talent, flexible resources, and technology to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape.  

The future is filled with potential!