How to crush being 1st legal hire at a scale up (part 1)

Rapid scale is not for the faint-hearted.

Building a legal function from scratch while delivering legal services at the same time is not for everyone.

If you’re currently in this boat, fear not: I’ve got you covered!

Below is Part 1 of my guide to crushing it as first legal hire - covering how to ditch outdated ways of working, think like a business partner, embrace the chaos of building from scratch and more.

TL;DR: back yourself and go for it!!

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1. Throw out the rulebook

Rapid scale requires fast responses. Outdated methods of delivering legal services are slow and won’t cut it. Think innovative, low cost / high efficiency solutions to minimize energy and stress levels.

2. Outsource & automate

Outsource process-heavy, time consuming, repetitive work to an ALSP. Especially if it’s low risk or involves process-building. You can start doing this within your first 90 (even 30!) days. They provide fast access to low cost legal talent that need minimal ramping. They are honestly a godsend when you’re first legal hire.

Leverage tech to create a self-service culture for contracts and take control of your intake. Automation & AI free up your time, speed up deal cycles and decrease risk. Use your existing tech stack until you are ready to buy new tools. Ask technical colleagues to help.

3. Community support

Legal is the smallest function in any business (even massive multinationals). Especially if you’re first legal hire and a team of one!! Tap into community to connect with likeminded legal professionals for quick answers and moral support.

4. Business Partner First

Get in the right mindset. You are not a siloed cost centre. You are a business partner first, lawyer second. Aim to run a lean function that supports revenue generation. Collaborate cross-functionally to help them achieve their business aims.

5. Identify gaps & goals

Define what success looks like from day one. Expectations will be all over the place and a lot of folks won’t actually GET what legal does, so establish 2-3 top priorities with whoever you report to (hope it’s the CEO!) as your North Star, fully aligned with company goals. These keep you lazer-focused amid the chaos and show your value to the wider business.

Not all problems are created equal. What’s broken? What’s missing? What’s being ignored? Everything comes back to company goals. Rank the gaps not just by what you think is important but by what the organization will rally behind.

6. Embrace the challenge 

Being first means you’re walking into uncertainty, resistance, and long hours. Be deeply invested in the challenge of building something from scratch, or you won’t have the stamina to push through. Passion is what fuels you when the setbacks come.

If you’re unsure or feel this isn’t for you, that’s okay. so before you commit, ask yourself: Is this a challenge I care enough about to fight for, even when it gets hard? If the answer is no, pivot to something that truly drives you.

Stay tuned for part two!

Join my inner circle!

After nearly 4 years of building community through global events, webinars, and peer-driven sessions for in-house legal teams, one thing has become clear:

First legal hires and new GCs need focused, trusted support — not generic theory.

In response to consistent demand, I’ve been working 1:1 with GCs through bespoke legal ops consulting and mentoring. I love this work — but I know that level of access isn’t right for everyone.

So I’m opening something new:

A private inner circle for a small group of first legal hires and GCs building lean, modern legal functions at tech and tech-forward companies.

Designed to elevate your function and your influence at the leadership table.

I’m opening access to founding members now — limited to 10 people, with a discounted rate. 

Curious about in-house practice or simply want to reach out?

Don't hesitate to reply to this email - I'm happy to help with any questions, no strings attached.

Let’s connect! 💜

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