Debunking Myths — 7 Strategies for Streamlining Legal and Compliance for Agile Data Projects

In my previous article, I discussed how leveraging legal and compliance departments as executive sponsors can provide a strong foundation for funding your data platform initiative. However, a common perception from my twenty-plus years in technology and data is that working with legal, and compliance is perceived as slow, cumbersome, and risk-averse. A recent study of legal department professionals found that business departments are so concerned about legal's pace that they often keep them uninformed about new projects until crucial choices are already made.

The study highlights this disconnect:

• 70% of in-house lawyers prioritize aligning better with business goals.

• 58% of their colleagues across different departments feel legal slows things down

• 41% view them as too risk averse

This follow-up aims to dispel these concerns by highlighting strategies to make collaboration with these departments more efficient and productive.

The myth of slow and cumbersome processes

The perception that legal and compliance departments are slow is rooted in their meticulous nature. In addition, they can become overwhelmed with all the Proof of Concepts (POCs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and Statement of Works (SOWs) that are sent to them daily.

These teams are responsible for safeguarding the organization against legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance, which naturally requires thoroughness. However, this does not mean that they are inherently inefficient or obstructive. By adopting proactive and strategic approaches, you can streamline collaboration and achieve your data project goals swiftly.

Strategies for streamlined collaboration

1. Proactively learn policies and provide solutions: Take the initiative to understand the policies for internal and external data access and usage thoroughly. When you approach legal and compliance teams, present them with well-thought-out solutions instead of problems. Offering a range of options for them to choose from enables quicker assessment and decision-making. This proactive approach not only speeds up the process but also demonstrates your commitment to collaboration and reduces the perceived workload for legal and compliance teams. They will appreciate your effort, be more inclined to support your project, and even expedite all responses to your requests over their day-to-day work knowing you have considered their requirements in advance.

2. Early engagement and continuous involvement: Engaging legal and compliance teams in the initial planning of your business case is crucial. By involving them from the outset, you can anticipate potential legal and regulatory hurdles and address them proactively. This prevents last-minute roadblocks and ensures smoother project progression. Continuous involvement also fosters a collaborative environment where legal and compliance become integral to the project rather than external gatekeepers.

3. Clear communication and alignment: Clear and consistent communication is key to overcoming delays. Ensuring that all legal and compliance stakeholders are constantly reminded of the value you are helping to bring to them and the organization. Regular updates and meetings help keep everyone on the same page and address concerns promptly. Using collaborative tools and platforms can facilitate seamless communication and document sharing, reducing administrative bottlenecks.

4. Agile methodologies and incremental approaches: Applying agile methodologies to legal and compliance processes can significantly enhance efficiency. Break down your data project into smaller, manageable phases with specific compliance checkpoints. This incremental approach allows for continuous feedback and adjustments, ensuring compliance without stalling the overall project. Legal and compliance teams can review and approve each phase iteratively, aligning with the agile workflow.

3 bonus tips for enhanced collaboration

1. Leverage compliance as a value-add: Shift the narrative from viewing compliance as a hurdle to recognizing it as a value-add. Emphasize how compliance can enhance data integrity, security, and trust, which are crucial for long-term success. By highlighting these benefits, you can foster a positive attitude towards collaboration with legal and compliance teams.

   Try hard to remove any internal bias you may have working with Legal and Compliance departments and spend some time meeting one-on-one with the leadership and take the time to listen to their challenges, and always ask the question “What is it you think my job entails?” You will need this information to establish an accurate starting point in building your relationship with them.

2. Foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding: Cultivate a culture where data, legal, and compliance teams respect each other’s expertise and contributions. Encourage cross-functional training and workshops to build mutual understanding and empathy. This cultural shift can lead to more constructive interactions and a shared commitment to project success.

   Best Practice: Some organizations hold regular "lunch and learn" sessions where legal, compliance, and data teams present their work and challenges to each other. This not only fosters better understanding but also builds personal connections that can smooth future collaborations.

3. Invest in technology and automation: Invest in technologies that automate compliance checks and streamline documentation processes. Compliance management software can expedite routine tasks, freeing up legal and compliance professionals to focus on strategic issues. Automation reduces manual errors and accelerates approval processes, making collaboration more efficient.

   Technology spotlight: Expose them to tools like OneTrust and TrustArc that can automate GDPR compliance tasks, while Varonis and Alation help manage and protect sensitive data. These tools can significantly reduce the compliance burden, improve overall efficiency, and show that you want to support them, make their job easier, and protect the organization.

Future trends in legal and compliance

Looking ahead, several trends could further streamline collaboration between data and compliance teams:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI can predict compliance risks and suggest proactive measures, reducing the need for manual oversight.

• Blockchain for Data Integrity: Blockchain technology can enhance data integrity and traceability, making it easier to comply with regulatory requirements.

• Regulatory Technology (RegTech): Emerging RegTech solutions offer automated compliance management, real-time monitoring, and reporting, which can enhance efficiency.

Conclusion

Working with legal and compliance departments does not have to be a slow and cumbersome process. By engaging these teams early, proactively presenting solutions, communicating, adopting agile methodologies, and leveraging technology, you can build a true partnership, streamline collaboration, and drive your data project forward efficiently. Embrace these strategies to transform potential roadblocks into opportunities for robust and compliant data governance and they will drive the financial investment needed to build your pipeline.

About the Author:

Carl Ackermann, Former VP-Global Data at iHerb, is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of hands-on experience in the dynamic realm of data and analytics. Throughout his career, Ackermann has navigated senior executive positions, achieving key milestones and designing large-scale data pipelines that consistently fuel business value.

Spanning diverse industries including B2C, C2C, CPG, Gaming, Hospitality, and more, his strategic insights have been instrumental in guiding organizations with annual revenues ranging from US$ 300 million to US$ 175 billion, both domestically and globally. His versatility extends beyond technical expertise, encompassing a keen understanding of business operations and innovative funding approaches.

Not just a technologist, Ackermann is a pragmatic agent of change. His success in driving cultural transformations within organizations has earned him recognition, showcasing his effectiveness as a transformative force in the industry.