Transforming Legal Departments: Tech and Inclusion

Guest NotesLaura Dieudonné is the Legal Operations and Administration Director at Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”). Since joining Delta’s Law Department in 2015, Laura has focused on enhancing the department’s productivity through technology, including by helping to implement the first document management system, introducing a redlining tool and KPI reporting system for Delta’s attorneys and legal professional staff, and supporting automation efforts for responding to third-party subpoenas. Among her many responsibilities, Laura manages the legal operations and administrative teams, oversees the monthly KPI reporting process and provides critical support in budgeting, accruals and financial reporting for the department. She currently serves as a chairperson on Delta’s Law Department’s Operations and Technology Committee. Laura also serves as Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) Board of Directors and CLOC’s DEIB Council Chair. Guest LinkedInLaura Dieudonne, B.S. Law and Policy-PreLaw, A.A.S. HRM | LinkedInKey Takeaways1. Effective Technology Implementation: Successful implementation of new technologies in legal operations requires understanding team pain points and securing necessary approvals. Engaging with team members to identify inefficiencies can lead to the adoption of tools like document management systems and KPI reporting systems, which enhance productivity and collaboration.2. KPI System for Resource Management: The development of a KPI system at Delta has been instrumental in tracking the activities of different practice areas. This system helps in making informed decisions about cross-training, resource allocation, and hiring, thereby improving operational efficiency.3. Work-Life Balance and Commitment: Delta's legal team emphasizes a strong work ethic and commitment, encouraging a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. This approach ensures that team members remain motivated and passionate about their work.4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Delta and CLOC are committed to fostering an inclusive environment through various DEIB initiatives. These efforts include forming community groups for diverse employee segments, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.5. Knowledge Sharing and Networking: Attending conferences like CLOC provides opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking. Delta's legal ops team actively participates in these events to gather insights and share learnings with the broader organization, promoting continuous improvement and collaboration.