The Process Audit Station is the structured diagnostic phase that evaluates the current state of legal workflows - typically contracting or other repeatable legal functions. It’s the first step in understanding what the legal department is doing, how well it’s doing it, and where managed legal services (MLS) can deliver immediate and long-term value.

This station is not about critique - it’s about clarity. A well-executed audit allows the MLS provider to seamlessly take over business-as-usual (BAU) operations without disruption. It ensures continuity while laying the groundwork for future improvements. The audit captures the “as-is” state, which becomes the baseline for transformation.

At GLS, we go further. Our audits benchmark historic performance, identify bottlenecks, and surface hidden costs. We use this data to design a glide path to “best, faster, cheaper” outcomes - the hallmark of a successful MLS deployment. Without this step, the MLS provider is flying blind.

The Process Audit is also a trust-building exercise. It shows the legal team that transformation doesn’t mean chaos - it means clarity, continuity, and control.

The scope of the Process Audit typically includes:

◼️Mapping current legal workflows and process steps

◼️Identifying inefficiencies, delays, and bottlenecks

◼️Reviewing document templates, approval chains, and escalation paths

◼️Benchmarking historic performance metrics (e.g., turnaround time, cost per matter)

◼️Assessing technology usage and integration points

◼️Evaluating legal team roles and resource allocation

◼️Identifying compliance and risk management gaps

◼️Recommending areas for immediate MLS support and long-term improvement

In GLS legal ops speak – the Process Audit is considered a “Foundational” resource within the process ecosystem of an in-house legal team.

The Foundational Resource is a CRE that is responsible for determining the overall performance capabilities of a “critical” legal function. If it is not optimised, the function can never be optimised. 

The best practice features of the Process Audit Station are as follows:

◼️Comprehensive workflow mapping that captures all relevant process steps

◼️Data-driven performance benchmarking using historic metrics

◼️Stakeholder interviews to understand pain points and expectations

◼️Technology assessment to identify automation opportunities

◼️Risk and compliance review to surface exposure areas

◼️Clear documentation of BAU operations for seamless MLS handover

◼️Actionable insights that inform solution design and implementation

◼️Repeatable audit methodology for ongoing process improvement

The Process Audit Station delivers the following value to the Business:

◼️Faster implementation of managed services through clear process documentation

◼️Reduced operational risk by identifying compliance gaps

◼️Improved cost efficiency through targeted process improvements

◼️Accelerated deal execution by removing workflow bottlenecks

◼️Enhanced business confidence in legal transformation initiatives

The audit gives the legal team a mirror - a clear, objective view of how they operate. It validates what’s working, highlights what’s not, and provides a roadmap for improvement. It also ensures that the MLS provider can take over without disruption, preserving team credibility and stakeholder trust.

The Process Audit Station is essential for:

◼️Legal departments preparing for managed legal services deployment

◼️Teams seeking to improve contracting or legal workflow efficiency

◼️Legal operations professionals designing transformation programs

◼️GCs and Heads of Legal needing performance diagnostics

A legal team operating without a Process Audit will face a wide range of inefficiencies including:

◼️Disrupted MLS implementation due to unclear workflows

◼️Continued process bottlenecks and delays

◼️Inability to benchmark or measure performance improvements

◼️Higher legal spend due to inefficiencies and duplication

◼️Reduced stakeholder confidence in legal transformation efforts

The Process Audit has a strong tech profile. It identifies where technology is being underutilized, where automation can be introduced, and how existing platforms can be better integrated. It also informs the tech stack required for MLS deployment - ensuring that tools support, rather than hinder, transformation.