Deisha Ling Thomas (Deisha Ling Vazquez) has over 25 years of experience in the legal industry. She currently supports an in-house legal team as a legal operations professional at a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. There, she provides strategic advice on initial contracts process improvements, legal technology, and vendor selection while simultaneously standing up the company’s contracting function by creating standardized processes and automating workflows. Deisha also serves as Head of Community for Legal Operators. Prior to her current roles, she served as Director of Legal Operations at Zelis Healthcare and Director of Legal Operations and Assistant Corporate Secretary at New Benevis, Inc. Deisha has established an excellent network and reputation within the legal operations community by serving on advisory boards and presenting as a panelist, instructor, and Master of Ceremonies for national and international events across several organizations.

1. How has Epiq Counsel enabled you to apply your legal expertise? 

Epiq has paired me with an excellent client who understands legal operations and the value that it brings. This particular client trusts and defers to my expertise while allowing me to be creative with the solutions I provide. I am able to leverage my prior knowledge and experience, gleaned from my successes and many years in the legal industry.

2. What has been your favorite project with Epiq Counsel so far and why? 

This is my very first project and I love it!

3. How has the flexibility of Epiq Counsel allowed you to deepen or broaden your legal expertise?  

The flexibility with Epiq has been amazing. My work is 100% remote, which allows me to prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining work-life balance.

4. What advice would you give to legal professionals considering a transition to a flexible legal career?  

My advice would be to understand your needs first and to communicate them honestly. As a result, you’ll connect with the appropriate clients and projects that best fit your needs.

5. In what ways do you see the legal industry evolving to accommodate flexible, on-demand legal talent?  

With continual budget cuts, I see the legal industry being more open to using flexible legal talent and prioritizing it over full-time hires.