Sit, Stay, Strategise: a fresh perspective on Managed Legal Services

Small, four-legged, and full of character, my dog has taught me more about patience, structure, and adaptability than any training course ever could.

As I settled into life with a new pet dog, I started noticing the unexpected parallels between raising a puppy and delivering Managed Legal Services (MLS). It turns out, the same principles that help build trust and routine at home also underpin successful legal transformation.

Here’s what I’ve found:
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Structure builds confidence

Dogs thrive on routine, and so do legal teams.

Whether you're laying ground rules for a new pet or rolling out a new legal service model, structure is what creates stability. In MLS, that means clear workflows, mapped processes, and tech readiness. These foundations give clients the confidence to move quickly and scale effectively.

A well-designed delivery model doesn’t constrain, it enables. It frees up legal teams to focus on strategic work, knowing the basics are taken care of. 

Flexibility is part of the design

Even with the best planning, surprises happen. A chewed-up shoe. A contract escalation. The strength of the MLS model lies in its ability to flex: scaling support, adjusting risk positions, and responding to shifting priorities without compromising quality.

Flexibility isn’t the opposite of structure; it’s what makes structure sustainable and is about building systems that adapt on demand. 

Feedback fuels progress

Training a dog takes more than treats - it takes feedback. Positive reinforcement, course correction, and consistency. The same applies in legal delivery. MLS teams rely on regular feedback loops, performance data, and stakeholder input to refine processes and improve outcomes.

Feedback isn’t merely retrospective, it’s a tool for forward momentum.

Communication builds trust

 Whether you're bonding with a new pup or embedding legal support into a business, trust is everything. And trust starts with clear communication. In MLS, that means speaking the client’s language, staying aligned with their goals and culture and avoiding jargon.

Strong relationships make collaboration easier and legal support more strategic.

Final thoughts

Bringing a dog into my life reminded me that transition, whether personal or professional, relies on structure, consistency, and a healthy dose of adaptability.

These are the same principles that drive successful MLS. And while my Cavapoo may not be much help with commercial contracts, he’s a daily reminder that the best systems are built with care, clarity, and connection.

Whether you're holding a leash or leading a legal change initiative, you're guiding with intention, building trust, and shaping behaviour. And just like with your dog, the journey is as rewarding as the destination.