Digital White Papers

I L T A W H I T E P A P E R | K N O W L E D G E M A N A G E M E N T & M A R K E T I N G T E C H N O L O G I E S 4 B U I L D I N G D A T A - D R I V E N T E A M S : F O C U S I N G O N S O F T S K I L L S Law firms can look for candidates passionate about learning and improving during recruitment. One way to identify this trait is by asking candidates about projects they have pursued independently or exploring how they keep up with changes in their field. Look for candidates who view setbacks as learning opportunities, as this reflects an eagerness to grow—a quality that will serve both the individual and the team well. Spirit of Service: Creating Value for Clients and Building Strong Relationships In law, where client relationships are paramount, a spirit of service is indispensable. This quality is about putting the needs of others first and being committed to delivering exceptional value. For data professionals in law firms, a spirit of service involves understanding and empathizing with the needs of clients, partners, and internal stakeholders. It's about going beyond the numbers to provide insights that help clients make informed decisions and solve real problems. A spirit of service builds trust and rapport, essential for long- term client relationships. For example, a data scientist in a law firm with a strong service mindset might not just report on trends in legal data; they may also anticipate clients' questions, interpret the data meaningfully, and ensure that insights are accessible. They might even collaborate with lawyers to present data-backed recommendations in client meetings, adding value by showing how the data applies directly to client needs. In data-driven roles, a spirit of service also means recognizing that one's role is to make complex data understandable and actionable for others. This way of interacting with others is especially relevant in law firms, where lawyers and clients may not be familiar with the technicalities of data. The best data professionals find ways to communicate complex insights in simple, practical terms, ensuring that data becomes a tool for decision-making, not just a report that sits on a shelf. Firms can assess this quality during hiring by exploring a candidate's past experiences working in client-facing or collaborative roles. Asking how they have handled difficult situations or worked to understand client needs can reveal their orientation toward service. This assessment might also involve looking for people who actively seek feedback and are dedicated to improving the quality of their work for the benefit of others. Comfort in the Gray Space: Thriving in Ambiguity and Complexity Comfort in the gray space is the ability to navigate ambiguity, deal with uncertainty, and remain effective in complex situations. This skill is essential in data-driven roles, especially in the legal sector, where data is often incomplete, regulations change frequently, and multiple stakeholders bring different needs and perspectives to a project. Legal data projects can be intricate and require interpreting inconsistent or conflicting information. A data analyst comfortable in the gray space can handle these complexities without feeling overwhelmed, working through challenges logically and confidently. For example, a legal data analyst working on a case law data project might face issues where specific data is unavailable or contradictory. Rather than becoming discouraged, they will find ways to work The best data professionals find ways to communicate complex insights in simple, practical terms, ensuring that data becomes a tool for decision-making, not just a report that sits on a shelf.

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