Meet Kyle Pankratz, our esteemed keynote speaker for In-House Day at Future Lawyer USA. As the Vice President of Legal Operations Strategy at Mastercard, Kyle is renowned for his ability to craft and execute strategic visions within legal departments. With a robust background spanning multinational corporations such as VMware, Adobe, and airSlate, Kyle's expertise encompasses corporate law, commercial law, privacy regulations, and software licensing. An alumnus of the University of Illinois College of Law, Kyle brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table, making him a pivotal figure in driving legal efficiency and innovation.
Until May 31st at FLUSA, enjoy Kyle’s interview with us and get ready to hear valuable wisdom from his seasoned career.
From your perspective, why do you believe conferences focused on legal innovation, like this one, are crucial for the advancement of the industry?
These conferences are like the tech meetups for the legal world. They're where industry leaders get a chance to discuss the latest legal tech and brainstorm about how to tackle our industry's challenges. Conferences focused on legal innovation are pivotal for the advancement of the industry as they provide a platform for sharing ideas, trends, and collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of legal innovation? Are there emerging technologies or cultural shifts that you believe will have a profound impact on the legal industry?
For the last year and a half, it seems like every conversation is on AI and I don’t think we are wrong for it to be so dominant. Legal innovation for the foreseeable future will being driven by AI. This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer that is going to make legal services more accessible and efficient. The technology isn’t fully developed today and we are still in the early stages of where this will all go but it does feel inevitable. As the AI technology continues to mature, we learn to work with it, and incorporate it into our workflows it will continue to evolve in enlightening and innovative ways.
How important is collaboration with professionals from other fields, such as technology, data, or business, for change management in legal teams?
Collaboration is key. We can't operate in a vacuum. Working with tech experts, data analysts, and business and finance professional doesn't just add value; it transforms the way we approach problems. It's like adding new instruments to an orchestra – it enriches the sound and opens a whole new range of possibilities. In our organization we work with professionals from these areas that are dedicated to and embedded in the legal function. They are in integral part of how we operate and drive success.
Why do you think effective change management in corporate legal teams is so important? What can these initiatives achieve for a business?
Change management is all about agility. It's what keeps a corporate legal team alert and ready to pivot when needed. These initiatives can streamline processes, cut costs, and ultimately, drive a business forward. It's not just about keeping up; it's about leading the charge.
How do you suggest senior leaders can address and overcome resistance to change, both at an individual and organizational level?
Overcoming resistance to change starts with communication. As leaders, we've got to paint the big picture and get everyone on board with the vision. It's about support, training, and listening to what the team needs and has to say. And let's not forget recognition – acknowledging accomplishments is a key part of help teams to embrace future change.
As the legal industry continues to evolve, visionaries like Kyle Pankratz are leading the charge, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of legal innovation. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and insights from the forefront of legal transformation.
Don't miss the opportunity to hear more insights from Kyle Pankratz and other legal innovators at Future Lawyer USA in Boston next month! Join us as we explore the future of legal technology and innovation, charting the course for a dynamic and transformative legal landscape.
