In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Sean Gelchion, Senior Manager of Talent, Operations, and Innovation at the law firm Beveridge & Diamond. Sean’s career path is anything but traditional. Starting in federal law enforcement, moving into public investigations and consulting at Deloitte, Sean ultimately found his calling in legal operations.
Sean shares how he leverages his investigative mindset, business acumen, and natural curiosity to optimize law firm operations from the inside. From streamlining attorney onboarding to integrating data systems and fostering cross-department collaboration, Sean is helping transform a historically traditional industry into one that’s more efficient, strategic, and people-centered.
Together, Erika and Sean explore what “legal operations” really means, how to think holistically about the full attorney lifecycle, and why technology is never the first answer. This conversation is a masterclass in career adaptability, change management, and building relationships that fuel innovation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Sean transitioned from federal law enforcement to Deloitte consulting to leading legal operations in Big Law.
The true scope of legal operations—beyond “just running the firm efficiently.”
Why optimizing the entire attorney lifecycle (from recruitment to alumni relations) impacts retention, profitability, and client service.
How data visualization tools like Power BI are being used to solve everyday law firm challenges.
The decision-making process behind adopting new technology versus improving existing workflows.
The importance of relationship-building and cross-functional collaboration in driving sustainable change.
Sean’s approach to overcoming resistance to innovation in the legal sector.
Career advice for breaking into legal ops or making a big career pivot.
Connect With Sean
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-gelchion-alpm-cfe-0aa803131/
Website: https://www.bdlaw.com/
