Consulting Magazine - April 2020

INTHE

Over the course of her career, Lauryn Haake has worked in a law firm, corporate technology department,
corporate legal operations, tech-
nology companies and, finally, for
consulting firms. “I started in con-
sulting when a friend and mentor
recruited me, saying that the variety
in my background and my ability
to translate technology to lawyers
uniquely qualified me for consult-
ing,” she says. “It turns out, she was
right! For me, it has been profes-
sionally and personally rewarding,
and I think my diverse experience
has served my clients well.”
Today, Haake is Managing Di-
rector in the Legal Technology
practice within the Advisory busi-
ness at HBR Consulting (HBR)
and has over two decades of ex-
perience in technology, operations
and consulting. She has worked in
all facets of the business, from law
firms to a Fortune 500 corporation,
to legal software companies and
consulting firms.

“I love engaging with people
generally, so what I enjoy most
about the work is the opportunity to
engage with so many different peo-
ple in a role where I can help them
solve complex problems. I’m also
there to help them feel like they’re
not alone with their problem,”
she says. “Chances are that I have
worked with others who have expe-
rienced the same issues, and I can
share proven solutions that have
worked for others.”
Haake says she has many great
memories where she and her team
achieved remarkable things, “but
I think the most pivotal personal
achievement was earning my mas-
ter’s degree while working full time
and raising small children,” she
says. “I think back to that period and
am so grateful for the education and
all the doors it opened for me. I still
rely on that training and recommend
advanced education to everyone.”
The world is in a tumultuous
time, “so I’d say the thing I’m most
looking forward to is to have COV-
ID- 19 under control,” she says. “Its
dramatic impact on the world will
be felt for years to come. Beyond
that, I look forward to expanding my
knowledge in the technologies of
Artificial Intelligence and Contract
Lifecycle Management.”
Asked if she’s ever experienced
unique challenges being a woman
consultant in the technology field,
Haake says yes. “I’ve had a prospec-
tive client address my male subordi-
nate as the decision maker instead
of me. I’ve had my comments go
unheard until a man echoes the sen-
timent and is then credited with the
thought,” Haake says. “The advice I
offer to other women in the field is
to remember that being a woman is
an asset; sometimes you just have to
remind others of that fact.”
As far as being recognized as
one of Consulting’s Women Lead-
ers in Technology, Haake says that
it’s an honor not only to be nomi-
nated, but to win. “I want it to be
a beacon for other women on this
technology consulting path, and to
help pave the way for me to help
them achieve great success.”