LVN Spotlight: Shanna Davidson

Greg Lambert sits down with Shanna Davidson, Deputy Chief of Legal Operations at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and LVNx 2026 Conference Committee Co-Chair Elect. Shanna explains why adaptability is essential to driving sustainable change in law firms and how resourcefulness helps teams deliver greater value. She also shares her perspective on LVNx Elevates, with timely content, interactive workshops, and inclusive networking through initiatives like cross-functional collaboration and the Women’s Initiative Network. Join this conversation to hear Shanna’s insights on innovation, resourcefulness, and building stronger connections across the legal industry.

Greg Lambert: Hi everyone, I’m Greg Lambert, editor for the LVN Newsletter. This month we’re shining the spotlight on LVN member Shanna Davidson. Shanna is the Deputy Chief of Legal Operations at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Shanna, thank you very much for talking with me today.

Shanna Davidson: Thanks for the invitation, Greg. I’m excited for this conversation.

Greg Lambert: Me too. With your role at Barnes & Thornburg, you have a firmwide view of legal operations. What do you see as the most critical factor in driving sustainable change at law firms? And how do you connect that to the industry’s current focus on resourcefulness?

Shanna Davidson: That is a great question. Driving change in legal operations requires innovative thinking, strong leadership support, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For me, the most critical factor is fostering a culture of adaptability, making sure processes, technology, and mindsets respond to changing client needs and market dynamics.

The old saying used to be “if it is not broken, do not fix it.” But today the real question is whether the processes make sense for the business you are running now. Do you have the right people in the right seats? Are there tasks that could be automated or streamlined to free up capacity? Standing still can be riskier than change.

This ties directly into the industry’s focus on resourcefulness. We are under pressure to deliver more at lower cost, so we need to leverage resources, talent, technology, and data more efficiently. Resourcefulness is not just about what we already have, it is about finding new ways to maximize impact and stay ahead of the competition.

Greg Lambert: Excellent. Let’s shift gears and talk about your involvement with LVN. You serve on multiple committees and you are also the Co-Chair Elect for next year’s LVNx. What insights are you gathering from this year’s conference that are shaping your vision for the 2026 conference?

Shanna Davidson: First, I will say I love LVN. I joined this community back in the P3 days and have always volunteered in some capacity. I was honored to be selected as Co-Chair Elect for the 2026 conference. Last year the LVNx 2024 theme was LVNx Creates. This year the co-chairs Aaron and Esther wanted to build on that, so the theme is LVNx Elevates. We have introduced targeted programming, interactive workshops, and expanded networking to help members deepen knowledge, advance skills, and strengthen relationships across the community. We are very excited about both the programming and networking opportunities this year.

Greg Lambert: For legal operations professionals attending this year, what do you think will be most valuable about sessions on cross-functional collaboration and initiatives like the Women’s Initiative Network in creating a more inclusive and actionable conference experience?

Shanna Davidson: Cross-functional collaboration is huge. These sessions address the growing need to bridge legal, pricing, finance, technology, and business teams, all focused on improving the client’s journey. Too often departments are siloed, so it is about sharing best practices and processes across the firm to deliver exceptional client service.

As for the Women’s Initiative, we have introduced some exciting opportunities this year. Golden Resources will be onsite offering coaching sessions and career guidance. On Friday, there is a concurrent session on belonging and practical tools for expanding your network. We have also added a Riverwalk stroll, an informal and healthy way to network and feel empowered outside of the usual conference setting.

Greg Lambert: Chicago in September is a perfect place for that stroll. Let’s wrap this up on a lighter note. When you are not leading legal operations or working on LVN initiatives, what activities recharge and inspire you?

Shanna Davidson: I have an almost three-year-old at home, so recharge time is limited. But my husband and I love to travel, especially internationally. We enjoy exploring new cultures, cafe life, and history. We often visit less traditional destinations. One of our favorites is Slovenia. Ljubljana and the surrounding areas are incredible, and Eastern Europe in general is less traveled but very rewarding.

Greg Lambert: Traveling with a three-year-old sounds like an adventure in itself.

Shanna Davidson: Yes, sometimes we go without him. Another passion of mine is puzzles. I joined a family puzzle competition series last year, and we compete regularly. It is nerdy, but I love it.

Greg Lambert: That sounds like fun. Well, Shanna Davidson, Deputy Chief of Legal Operations at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, thank you for letting us shine the LVN Member Spotlight on you this month.

Shanna Davidson: Thank you, Greg.