In her own words, our founder Shobna Chandran shares her vision of how non-lawyers will shape the future of legal practice.
“The next five years will bring fundamental changes – not just in the number of lawyers we employ, but in the entire composition of our teams.
The most successful firms will be those which understand that exceptional legal work requires more than exceptional legal minds.
- Technology and Operational Excellence: It is crucial to have dedicated coders, data analysts, and AI specialists who can harness these tools to serve clients more effectively. I also personally envision working alongside a COO who focuses on operational excellence, allowing me to concentrate on the high-impact legal work that drives results. True operational efficiency requires having the right people to strategically execute your vision.
- Business Development: Business development goes beyond PowerPoint Presentations and proposals. When we want to penetrate new markets, we need professionals with deep industry experience who can open doors and get us into the right rooms and in front of the movers and shakers.
- PR & Communications: Personal branding and influence matter more than ever. When our clients face crises, they need communication experts. Firms need it too – how the market sees us directly impacts our ability to serve clients effectively and which clients serve us. Firms that can offer integrated legal and communications expertise will have a distinct advantage in serving their clients’ broader needs.
- Wellness & Mental Health: This is especially important to me, as I’ve seen the emotional toll that complex disputes can take – not just on lawyers, but on the clients who come to us in their most vulnerable moments. Having trained professionals such as counsellors as part of our extended team is essential in a client-facing industry like ours.
- Coaching: I work with both a life coach and a performance coach who help me navigate blind spots, balance competing priorities, and bring my best self to every aspect of my life. Between my professional responsibilities, family commitments, and active community service, I juggle many spheres — and my coaches ensure I can give my all while staying grounded and healthy. I’ve also arranged coaching for colleagues who I felt would benefit from it – sometimes, they need guidance from someone other than their boss to reach the next level. Firms that embrace a holistic view of the law will create a holistic, balanced, and high-impact practice into the future.”
— Shobna Chandran, Managing Director, SC LLC
Are you aligned with our vision for the future of law? Connect with us today — we’d love to hear from you.