The Community station is about recognising and cultivating the power of professional connection within and beyond the legal team. In-house lawyers often work in small teams, under intense pressure, and with little time for “extras.” Their work is specialised, their hours are long, and their challenges are rarely understood by those outside the legal function. And yet - community matters.

This station acknowledges that lawyers need more than just technical tools and templates. They need empathy, perspective, and connection. Community provides all three. It offers a space to share experiences, learn from others, and build relationships that support both personal wellbeing and professional growth. Whether through internal legal networks, sector bodies, technical interest groups, or informal peer circles - community is a resource, not a luxury.

Importantly, community is not just about socialising. It’s about strategic enablement. It’s where lawyers acquire new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and build the professional relationships that propel careers forward. It’s also where they find empathy relief - people who understand the pressures, the pace, and the stakes of in-house legal work.

GLS recognises the strategic importance of this station through the creation of the GLS Legal Operations Community - a global network designed to connect in-house lawyers, share best practices, and support legal transformation. Because when lawyers connect, they don’t just feel better - they perform better.

The scope of the Community station typically includes:

◼️Internal Legal Networks – Building connection across legal teams within the organisation.

◼️Sector & Industry Bodies – Participating in external groups relevant to your legal domain.

◼️Technical Interest Groups – Joining communities focused on specific legal topics or innovations.

◼️Mentoring & Peer Support – Facilitating relationships that support development and wellbeing.

◼️Cross-Functional Collaboration – Engaging with other departments to build broader understanding.

◼️Online Legal Communities – Leveraging digital platforms for connection and learning.

◼️Event Participation – Attending conferences, webinars, and roundtables.

◼️GLS Legal Operations Community – A global network for legal transformation and peer exchange.

In GLS legal ops speak – the Community 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 Community are as follows:

◼️Structured Internal Networks – Legal teams are connected across geographies and functions.

◼️Active External Engagement – Lawyers participate in relevant industry and sector groups.

◼️Mentoring Frameworks – Senior lawyers support junior development through structured programs.

◼️Digital Community Access – Teams use online platforms to connect and share knowledge.

◼️Cross-Functional Integration – Legal collaborates with other departments to build empathy and understanding.

◼️Event Participation Support – Lawyers are encouraged and enabled to attend relevant events.

◼️Wellbeing & Empathy Focus – Community is recognised as a support mechanism, not just a social outlet.

◼️GLS Community Membership – Teams engage with the GLS Legal Operations Community for transformation insights.

The Community station delivers the following value to the Business:

◼️Improved Legal Insight – Lawyers gain broader perspectives that enhance advice quality.

◼️Faster Problem Solving – Peer support accelerates issue resolution.

◼️Stronger Cross-Departmental Collaboration – Legal is better integrated into the business.

◼️Enhanced Reputation – A connected legal team is seen as engaged and forward-thinking.

◼️Innovation Enablement – Community fosters exposure to new ideas and approaches.

For the legal team, Community provides:

◼️Empathy Relief – Lawyers feel understood and supported.

◼️Professional Growth – Exposure to new ideas and relationships accelerates development.

◼️Morale Boost – Connection reduces isolation and increases engagement.

◼️Team Cohesion – Internal networks strengthen collaboration and trust.

◼️Retention of Talent – Lawyers stay where they feel connected and valued.

◼️Strategic Enablement – Community supports transformation and continuous improvement.

The Community station is essential for:

◼️Legal Department Leadership

◼️In-House Counsel

◼️Legal Operations Teams

◼️HR & Talent Managers

◼️Executive Management

◼️Risk & Compliance Officers

◼️Internal Audit Functions

A legal team operating without a Community strategy will face a wide range of inefficiencies including:

◼️Professional isolation and burnout

◼️Slower problem-solving due to lack of peer input

◼️Reduced innovation and adaptability

◼️Poor morale and disengagement

◼️Difficulty attracting and retaining top talent

◼️Missed opportunities for collaboration and learning

Community is technology-leveraged, especially in today’s hybrid and global legal environments:

◼️Online Legal Platforms – Enable connection, discussion, and resource sharing.

◼️Collaboration Tools – Support internal networking and cross-functional engagement.

◼️Event Management Systems – Facilitate participation in webinars and conferences.

◼️Mentoring Portals – Match mentors and mentees across jurisdictions.

◼️GLS Legal Operations Community Platform – A dedicated space for legal transformation dialogue.

Technology makes community scalable, accessible, and impactful.