What 2026 Demands from Legal Operations Leaders

If you’ve been in legal operations for more than a few quarters, you already know this isn’t another “transformation year.” After years of pivoting and patching, firms are now demanding performance, accountability, and measurable results. In 2026, keeping operations running isn’t enough; legal operations must drive the firm forward.

The pressure is clear: operations is no longer a support function; it’s a strategic lever for performance.

The Leadership Mandate in 2026

It’s not enough to deploy new tools or extend contracts. Leadership teams expect legal ops to identify structural gaps that slow the firm down and solve them in ways that align with firmwide goals.

This means owning vendor contracts, administrative services, information governance (IG), records management, and more, and doing it with rigor and results.

Operational leaders entering 2026 should ask:

• Is our vendor strategy scalable and aligned with current firm priorities?

• Are internal processes still manual or misaligned?

• What are we measuring, and what are we doing with that data?

We’ve found that leaders who think and act like business strategists, not just service managers, are the ones who move the firm forward.

From Tactical Wins to Transformational Impact

In prior years, quick tactical fixes often sufficed: a platform upgrade here, a contract tweak there. But 2026 demands long-term infrastructure thinking.

Tactical wins matter, but only if they contribute to measurable, strategic outcomes.

That means:

• Eliminating structural inefficiencies, not just hiding them

• Standardizing performance metrics across functions

• Aligning service delivery with firm priorities, not historical practices

Operational leaders need to shift from firefighting to strategic planning.

Operational Discipline in a Year of Margin Pressure

Yes, billing rates may rise. But so will scrutiny on operational costs.

The firms that thrive will be the ones that:

• Understand service delivery performance

• Eliminate wasteful spending

• Embed discipline in contracts, processes, and culture

If contracts are only reviewed at renewal, you’re already behind. We’ve seen firms uncover material cost savings and performance risks simply by systematically auditing contracts and usage trends.

Operational discipline isn’t optional; it’s the price of entry.

Vendor Contracts: Audit, Adjust, or Replace

Many law firms are carrying contract terms negotiated years ago, before hybrid work, before revised cost structures, and before new performance expectations.

A simple reality:

Contracts that sit untouched lose leverage and operational control.

Leaders should audit existing vendor agreements to assess:

• Whether the scope and service levels align with current demand

• Whether pricing reflects today’s volume and performance needs

• Whether performance metrics and penalties are meaningful

Often, the solution isn’t replacement, it’s realignment and accountability.

Planning With Confidence Instead of Guesswork

Reactivity has been the default for too long: problems crop up, teams respond, rinse and repeat.

But 2026 rewards the proactive:

• Better data

• Clear insight into performance trends

• Partners who help build forward momentum

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Operational leaders armed with data and guided by experience can prevent issues before they disrupt the firm.

The First 90 Days: Where to Focus Now

Use Q1 to build clarity around the biggest operational blind spots:

• List all upcoming contract expirations

• Cross-check invoices against contract terms

• Assess whether internal teams are structured for long-term, strategic support

Even small adjustments now can translate into smoother execution for the rest of the year.

Real Case Insight: Driving Results Through IG and Records Reform

A 193-attorney Midwest law firm uncovered long-standing gaps in its information governance and off-site records strategy following a major system conversion. Mattern conducted a full operational assessment, redesigned the firm’s IG program, and ran a competitive RFP for off-site storage. The result? A 28% reduction in records costs, clearer policy governance, and significantly reduced operational risk, a reminder that meaningful results often come from addressing the foundational, not just the visible.

The Mattern Perspective

Legal operations isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about making the firm better, faster, and more efficient.

In 2026, the firms that treat legal operations like a strategic engine, not an overhead cost, will be the ones that:

• Move with confidence

• Negotiate from strength

• Adapt with lower friction

If your team is ready to step into 2026 with greater clarity and control, contact info@matternassoc.com.