The Last 30 Days (Days 61-90): Setting Up for Long-Term Success

Navigating the initial months in a new role is always a delicate balance between absorbing knowledge and demonstrating impact. Now that you’ve completed your first couple of months in the role (access the first 30 days and the next 30 days of the 90 day plan), it’s time to transition to showcasing measurable successes. The last 30 days of your 90 day plan highlights the importance of leveraging data-driven metrics and setting long-term objectives to ensure sustained growth and alignment with your legal team and organization's overarching goals.

Report on successes

Today’s companies are becoming increasingly data-driven, placing a premium on quantifiable results and performance metrics. For in-house legal departments, this shift necessitates a departure from traditional law firm metrics, where success is often equated with billable hours worked. Instead, the value proposition of an in-house legal team is the tangible impact they have on the organization, as demonstrated by tracking key legal metrics.

An important milestone in your 90-day plan will be presenting stakeholders with metrics that demonstrate the impact of the changes you have implemented thus far. Highlight successful collaborations and improved relationships with other teams. Share quantifiable key performance metrics, such as reduced response times through standardized playbooks and legal front door software implementation. Showcase how self-help resources and training materials have decreased routine inquiries to the legal team. Quantifying the impact helps reinforce the value your initiatives have delivered as well as help the legal team advocate for more resources if needed.

Assess progress and set long-term objectives

With key relationships in place and initial wins under your belt, continue to look at opportunities for improvement. Ask for informal feedback from your team members and cross-functional partners on what has worked well and what opportunities still exist. These inputs can also help inform broader strategic planning initiatives with company leadership. Brainstorm ambitious but achievable objectives across critical areas like budgeting, talent development, technology implementation, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Establish your annual OKRs and KPIs, and identify and develop a comprehensive 12-month plan for personal and professional growth aligned to the legal team’s continued success and the company’s long-term goals. Look inward at your own skills and knowledge gaps to be addressed through training, mentoring, or other personal growth initiatives. With thoughtful preparation and commitment to continuous improvement, you can ensure that you and the in-house legal department are aligned to drive success. The foundation and momentum you have built allow you to exit the 90-day window with a focused vision and actionable roadmap for the future.

These initial three months are critical in laying the groundwork for your and your legal team’s success within an organization. As you continue in your in-house legal role, remember the value of data-driven metrics and the importance of ongoing assessment to continually refine the delivery of legal services. By embracing a culture of continuous learning, you’ll set up the legal team and the broader organization for success.