1) Embracing Innovation in Law: My Current Role
Currently, I am part of the innovation team at Khaitan & Co, one of India’s largest and oldest law firms. In this role, I focus on enhancing the practice of law by not only improving client experience but also the day-to-day activities of our lawyers. This might sound a bit abstract, but essentially, we leverage process improvements and technology to refine legal practices. For instance, we’re revolutionizing workflow by automating it using enterprise service management for shared services. This innovation enables us to gather more accurate data, standardize services, and significantly reduce dependency on traditional communication methods like emails.
What excites me most about my role is the daily opportunity to deepen my understanding of the business side of law and its intersection with other fields. Through my work, I’ve developed a range of skills from problem identification and production management to legal design, UI/UX enhancement, and implementation of cutting-edge technology.
2) The Path to Innovation: Serendipity and Exploration
How did I end up here? If I were to summarize it in one word: serendipity. My career began with a graduation from law school, followed by practice at one of India’s leading law firms. This firm had a unique ‘rotation’ policy for new graduates, allowing us to experience different practice areas. This period was invaluable, offering insights into both transactional and dispute resolution practices.
However, my curiosity stretched beyond the legal domain. I was intrigued by the broader aspects of the profession, which led me to connect with a colleague’s spouse running a law firm management consultancy. This was my introduction to the world of practice management. I soon found myself in a mid-sized law firm’s practice development team, initially handling marketing and business development, and gradually moving into more strategic roles. This journey took me through various facets of law firm management, from service protocol improvements to strategic planning for new office openings and matter pricing strategies.
I leverage this diverse expertise in my current role driving innovation at Khaitan & Co. As part of the central Innovation team. The immense complexity and rapid evolution of both law and technology in this space keeps me constantly engaged.
3) Advice for Aspiring Innovators in Law
For those looking to follow a similar path, my first tip is: Be curious. Innovation thrives on viewing established practices with fresh perspectives. It’s also crucial to network and engage with others in this niche. Many challenges have been addressed before, and there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Building a network of knowledgeable individuals can provide invaluable support and guidance.
Lastly, embrace patience and persistence. Change, especially in traditional fields like law, can be daunting and slow. It might take months or even years to witness the impact of your efforts. But rest assured, every step counts, and you are making a difference.
Shreya Vajpei