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Paragon Legal Unveils New Report on Legal Metrics

On October 2, 2025, Paragon Legal, a trailblazer in providing flexible legal professionals to major in-house legal teams, published a significant report titled "Proving Legal's Value: A Practical Guide to Metrics That Matter." This document, generated from a comprehensive survey involving 150 senior legal leaders in the United States, aims to support general counsels (GCs) in redefining how they convey the value of legal services to executive leadership.

The Pressing Need for Outcome-Based Metrics

The report highlights a critical moment in which legal departments are challenged not only to maintain their operational standards but also to demonstrate their strategic contributions to business outcomes. Though 87% of these departments have either sustained or increased their budgets this year, the ability to showcase measurable achievements remains elusive. The research indicates that only 33% of legal teams track spending in real time and a mere 31% measure outcomes tied to business significance.

“It's not just about what Legal does; it's about what Legal achieves,” states Trista Engel, CEO of Paragon Legal. This ethos drives the need for a pivot from merely measuring activities—such as contract review times and budget variances—to demonstrating how legal efforts foster growth and mitigate risks.

Insights from the Legal Landscape

One striking discovery from the survey is the disparity in perception regarding the role of legal teams. While 54% of executive respondents believe legal departments act as business leaders, only 29% of middle management feels the same way. Additionally, a significant 33% of middle managers view legal departments primarily as service providers, further emphasizing the need for a shift in narrative.

The report reveals that over 42% of legal teams express a desire to effectively measure productivity, yet fewer than 17% assess how their contributions connect to overall business growth. The importance of aligning metrics with C-suite language underscores the report's central theme: moving away from traditional, operational-focused measurements.

The Role of AI in Legal Operations

The impact of artificial intelligence in the legal field cannot be understated. Survey participants noted that AI and automation technologies are increasing efficiency by freeing up lawyers’ time for more strategic roles. However, the implementation of AI is still in its formative stages, with a consensus that these tools alone won't resolve the existing gaps in measurement frameworks.

A Strategic Framework for Legal Departments

The report lays out a comprehensive framework for legal leaders seeking to recalibrate their value proposition:

• - Shift from Activities to Outcomes: Legal teams are encouraged to articulate their value in terms understood by business executives.
• - Tailored Metrics for Diverse Audiences: Different stakeholders require distinct metrics; for example, ROI might resonate with CFOs, whereas growth and agility metrics could be more relevant for CEOs.
• - Customize Metrics Based on Maturity: Organizations, regardless of size, should adapt metrics to reflect their team's development stage.

This new report marks the first of a dual-part research initiative, with a follow-up focusing on prioritized challenges that in-house legal teams face slated for release in late 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paragon Legal not only provides high-quality legal talent but also strives to empower legal professionals to navigate their careers outside traditional paths. Their ongoing efforts to reshape the perception of legal value within corporate frameworks is vital for law departments looking to elevate their standing within organizations. For anyone interested, the full report can be accessed for free at Paragon Legal’s website, further amplifying the insights shared within.

For further information, Paragon Legal continues to empower legal departments to manage their evolving workloads efficiently. They also provide a unique platform for legal professionals to achieve their goals while affecting meaningful changes in their organizations.