Keeping the Big Picture in Focus: The Value of an Organizational Review
By Lisa Young
"You can’t see the forest for the trees" describes what happens when attention to day-to-day demands obscures the larger picture. In law schools, competing priorities, complex challenges, and ongoing initiatives can make it difficult to assess whether efforts are aligned with institutional goals.
Whether a school is experiencing growth, preparing for accreditation, or navigating another significant challenge, an organizational review offers an opportunity to step back and evaluate how the institution functions as a whole. The review examines how structure, processes, culture, resources, and decision-making support the school's mission and strategic objectives.
Tailored to a school's priorities, budget, and timeline, an organizational review identifies strengths, uncovers opportunities for improvement, and provides practical recommendations. An independent perspective can help clarify challenges, reveal overlooked issues, and establish a clear path forward.
For example, a rapidly growing school may need to determine whether its staffing model can meet evolving demands. A review can assess the alignment of roles and responsibilities, the effectiveness of reporting relationships, and areas where additional capacity or expertise may be needed.
Benefits Beyond the Final Recommendations
The value of an organizational review extends beyond its findings. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, faculty, staff, and students have opportunities to share their perspectives and contribute to the process. This engagement can strengthen trust, increase buy-in, and build support for future initiatives and organizational change.
Building Capacity for Change
As legal education continues to evolve, schools face emerging priorities including experiential learning, technological innovation, student well-being, and career outcomes. An organizational review helps institutions assess whether their operations, structures, and resource allocation are flexible enough to respond effectively to changing needs.
A Roadmap for the Future
Perhaps most importantly, an organizational review provides a foundation for long-term success. By proactively identifying inefficiencies and strengthening organizational capacity, schools can address challenges before they become obstacles. The result is a more effective, resilient institution that is prepared to meet current demands and adapt to future opportunities.
Contact me at LYoung@LSAC.org to learn more about organizational reviews and how they can be tailored toward your school’s needs.
