Corporate legal departments (CLDs) are looking forward to 2022 with optimism, particularly after the challenges of the past couple of years. But that optimism will only be realized through careful planning. Looking ahead, CLDs need to consider everything from budgeting to technology investments, and many details in between. In this article, I’ll outline three considerations that should be top-of-mind as you plan for the year ahead.

Be Systematic and Smart with Budgeting

Your budgeting process should follow a methodical, “scientific” approach that carefully examines your current mix of legal matters, how spend in those matters might change, the anticipated cost of any new matters likely to arise, and a “wild card” cost for any unanticipated matters.