The Problem-Solver’s Edge: How Legal Data Intelligence Fuels Career Success Across Legal and Legal Technology

In the world of legal practice and legal technology, success is often attributed to expertise, credentials, and experience. However, the most successful professionals in these fields share one core skill that propels their careers forward: problem-solving. Whether you’re a lawyer navigating complex cases or a legal technologist developing innovative solutions, the ability to approach challenges methodically and creatively is what sets top professionals apart.

Legal Data Intelligence seeks to break down the otherwise siloed worlds in legal and legal technology. Fundamentally, the needs of people dealing with massive amounts of data in a legal setting are the same: sift through and discard the ROT (Redundant, Obsolete, or Trivial) data while locating and utilizing the SUN (Sensitive, Useful, or Necessary) data to solve problems. By utilizing the three fundamental stages of the LDI model (Initiate, Investigate, Implement), the problem-solver is able to confidently approach novel situations. The LDI model enables problem-solvers to quickly evaluate and solve challenges using a common, data-driven approach that is based on proven results and the experience of top industry veterans.

The ability to analyze, strategize, and execute solutions based on SUN data is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity to solve today’s complex legal data challenges.

Problem-Solving Fuels Career Progression

Enhancing Decision-Making and Judgment

Legal professionals, whether in traditional law or legal tech, are constantly required to make decisions that have significant consequences. Strong problem-solving skills enable professionals to weigh multiple options, assess risks, and determine the best course of action. Employers and clients alike value those who can make sound decisions under pressure.

Change Champion and Fearless Problem Solving

Problem-solvers are at the forefront of technological advancements, leading change rather than adapting to it. Legal Data Intelligence provides the creative problem solver with a roadmap and resources to tackle data problems that may be outside of their comfort zone or prior experience. The LDI model and workflows are easy to understand and apply to a myriad of data challenges that legal professionals and legal technologists face on a day-to-day basis. Whether working with a corporate client, a government agency, or a tech startup, professionals who can solve problems effectively foster trust and build long-term relationships.

Navigating Career Transitions and Growth

The legal industry is changing rapidly, with new regulations, technologies, and business models emerging all the time. Professionals who can adapt by solving problems creatively—whether it’s transitioning from traditional practice to legal tech, specializing in a niche area, or leveraging new tools—position themselves for continued growth. Those who resist change may find themselves left behind.

Developing Strong Problem-Solving Skills

If problem-solving is the key to career success in legal and legal tech, how can professionals sharpen this skill? Here are a few practical strategies:

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Seeing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles fosters a proactive approach to problem-solving. Continuously learning about emerging legal trends, technological advancements, and industry best practices helps professionals stay ahead of the curve.

Break Problems Down Systematically

Using the LDI model allows professionals to dissect problems effectively. Breaking down issues into manageable components leads to more structured and efficient solutions.

Leverage Technology for Efficiency

From AI-assisted data review to contract management systems, technology provides tools to solve problems more effectively. Legal professionals who understand and embrace these tools can provide better service, work more efficiently, and gain a competitive edge.

Collaborate and Seek Diverse Perspectives

Legal and legal tech careers often require interdisciplinary collaboration. Lawyers, developers, analysts, and business leaders must work together to create solutions. Engaging with diverse perspectives leads to more well-rounded, innovative problem-solving. The LDI model empowers legal professionals to communicate with multiple stakeholders with a standardized vernacular that can be easily understood by both legal and non-legal professionals. This enables the problem-solver to effectively communicate challenges, solutions, and successes to upper-level management situated across different teams and in different roles.

Crossing the Chasm Between Competence & Excellence

In both legal practice and legal technology, problem-solving is the skill that differentiates those who thrive from those who merely get by. The most successful professionals are those who embrace challenges, seek innovative solutions, and adapt to an ever-evolving landscape. By utilizing the LDI frameworks and strategies, legal professionals and legal technologists can unlock career growth, build strong reputations, and make meaningful contributions to their industries.

In a profession where change is constant and complexity is the norm, those who solve problems don’t just survive—they lead.

(Editor’s Note: LDI founding member Adam Rouse wrote this post based on his talk titled “Power Up Your Career with Legal Data Intelligence,” which was delivered to a packed audience at the UF Law E-Discovery Conference on Feb. 12, 2025.)