The Complete Blueprint for a Successful Contract Lifecycle Management Implementation
Master the step-by-step system that brings your CLM project in on time, on budget, and with high user adoption
Prep Smart
by clarifying your needs and preparing for automation
Eliminate guesswork
with proven vendor selection and negotiation frameworks
Navigate Politics and Drive Adoption
by securing buy-in and mastering the people side of CLM
Join the 50%
that succeed
while half of all CLM projects fail, according to industry experts
Is Your Contracting System Broken?
When approvals get held up because the right business units never approved the transaction in the first place or a contract sits in legal for weeks going through three rounds of negotiations with a counterparty, it chips away at your team's credibility. And when a regulatory request comes in? Suddenly, you're spending hours tracking down a single document.
The longer this cycle repeats itself, the more the legal department cements its reputation as the Department of "No" or the "Black Hole" Then your leadership finally decides it's time to modernize, and just like that, you're expected to roll out new tech you've barely had time to explore, all while keeping up with your regular workload.
Software Won’t Save You
The biggest trap is thinking that technology will fix a broken process - when in reality, AUTOMATION DOESN'T FIX CHAOS, IT SCALES IT.
Most organizations jump straight to software selection without first defining their processes — skipping the foundational work that determines whether any technology will succeed.
They underestimate the staffing and
time commitment required.
They fail to organize legacy documents
before implementation.
Then they’re surprised when AI functionality doesn’t work, cleanup costs spiral, stakeholders resist adoption, or the tool fails to deliver what everyone expected.
Lead The Project Everyone Gets Behind
With the right preparation, you'll create systems and processes that work with or without automation — and scale when you're ready.
You’ll confidently walk into vendor meetings with a clear set of priorities and the right questions — no more guessing.
Stakeholders will support and embrace the new system because they understand how it brings value to the organization — and makes their lives easier.
You’ll know what to expect during implementation and lead a rollout that lands — all while managing your time and positioning yourself as the leader who made it happen.
The Secret to Faster Results
While most organizations rush to compare software features, the ones that succeed are the ones that slow down first. They take the time to understand:
- Their current processes
- Identify their real pain points
- And build stakeholder alignment — all before they ever see a demo
It may feel counterintuitive, but that upfront work is what separates game-changing implementations from expensive disappointments no one wants
to use.
Faster doesn’t mean skipping steps. It means skipping mistakes.
Introducing CLM Unlocked
CLM Unlocked offers practical, customer-focused guidance that addresses what software vendors often overlook: CLM readiness, change management, and the internal organizational challenges that significantly impact success or failure.
This course provides actionable insights and lessons learned from the customer’s perspective, enabling you to navigate the complete implementation process effectively.
You'll discover how to staff project teams at different stages, create policies that optimize contract flow from request to storage, and identify your actual pain points before selecting vendors.
The course guides you through vendor selection, stakeholder management, budget approval, and implementation tactics that maximize user adoption—everything needed to develop a successful CLM system that delivers results on time and on budget.
The proven system that delivers results
The Back Story
Discover the driving forces behind the CLM market boom and understand why half of all implementations fail. You'll move from uncertainty about CLM success factors to clarity about the market landscape and common pitfalls that derail projects before they start.
What is CLM
Master the eight critical stages of contract lifecycle management and understand what CLM truly encompasses versus common misconceptions. Transform your fragmented contract handling into a systematic, end-to-end approach that creates efficiency and accountability.
Your Contracting Health Check
Complete a comprehensive assessment of your organization's current contracting maturity level and learn how to interpret your results. Gain objective insight into your starting point and identify specific readiness gaps that must be addressed before moving forward.
Slowing Down to Speed Up
Build the foundational framework that determines CLM success, regardless of whether you implement technology. Establish solid organizational groundwork that ensures any future technology implementation will deliver lasting results rather than expensive disappointment.
Building the Project Team
Learn how to identify the ideal project leader and define key responsibilities that drive success. Create clear accountability structures and leadership frameworks that maintain project momentum through inevitable challenges and organizational changes.
The Project Plan
Develop comprehensive project planning skills and master stakeholder communication strategies that generate buy-in. Transform vague CLM aspirations into actionable roadmaps with defined success metrics, timelines, and resource allocation that executives will support.
Surveying the Land
Master systematic data collection techniques to gather insights from legal teams and business stakeholders across your organization. Replace dangerous assumptions with data-driven understanding of actual user needs, pain points, and workflow requirements.
Handling Low-Value/Low-Risk Contracts
Define clear criteria for low-impact contracts and establish guardrails that enable business teams to handle routine agreements independently. Free up valuable legal resources while maintaining appropriate oversight and risk management protocols.
Contract Workflow Assessment
Learn to map current processes and design optimized future-state workflows using proven assessment techniques. Eliminate costly bottlenecks and create efficient, measurable contract processes that form the foundation for successful automation.
The Intake Form
Strengthen pre-contracting governance through standardized request processes that capture essential information upfront. Reduce frustrating back-and-forth communications by ensuring complete, structured contract requests that accelerate turnaround times.
Creating Templates
Master the art of drafting, finalizing, and implementing contract templates that balance legal protection with business efficiency. Accelerate contract turnaround while maintaining consistency and reducing the need for extensive legal review on standard agreements.
Clause Libraries
Build comprehensive, accessible clause libraries using a strategic four-step process that avoids common implementation pitfalls. Enable faster negotiations by providing teams with pre-approved, standardized language options that maintain legal integrity.
Playbooks
Create powerful negotiation and process management guides tailored to different contract types and business scenarios. Empower your teams with clear decision-making frameworks and escalation protocols that ensure consistent, strategic contract outcomes.
The Legal Review Policy
Document and communicate crystal-clear contract review protocols that eliminate confusion about legal involvement requirements. Establish transparent guidelines that help stakeholders understand when, how, and why legal review is necessary for different contract types.
The Document Retention Policy
Establish document management practices that organize your contract repository and prepare your data for AI integration. Create searchable, well-structured contract storage that maximizes technology ROI and supports advanced analytics capabilities.
Communicating, Training and Driving Adoption
Design effective change management and training programs that overcome resistance and drive enthusiastic adoption. Transform skeptical stakeholders into champions who embrace new processes because they clearly understand the personal and organizational benefits.
Leveraging Your Existing Technology
Discover how to maximize contract management efficiency using tools your organization already owns. Implement immediate improvements without waiting for new software purchases, creating quick wins that build momentum for larger transformation initiatives.
Automation
Learn to choose the right automation approach based on your organization's actual maturity level and needs. Make strategic technology decisions grounded in process readiness rather than vendor promises, ensuring sustainable implementation success.
E-Signature, Request/Intake and Central Repository Preparedness
Prepare your organization for e-signature implementation and establish searchable document storage capabilities. Ensure your data structure and processes are optimized for digital transformation, avoiding costly cleanup efforts later.
Workflow Automation Readiness
Successfully engage IT stakeholders and create automation-focused project plans that bridge legal and technical requirements. Build collaborative relationships and communication strategies that ensure smooth technology implementation.
Let the Judging Begin
Master vendor selection through strategic RFI and RFP processes that focus on your actual needs rather than flashy features. Approach software demos with confidence, ask the right questions, and choose solutions that truly fit your organizational requirements.
Making the Case
Build compelling business cases that secure organizational approval and executive support for CLM initiatives. Present clear ROI justification and strategic value propositions that make budget approval straightforward rather than contentious.
Negotiating the CLM Vendor Contract
Navigate complex SOWs, change orders, and contract terms while protecting your organization's interests. Establish successful implementation partnerships through strategic negotiation that sets clear expectations and accountability measures.
Implementation
Effectively manage the technical build phase from initial discovery through comprehensive testing and quality assurance. Oversee complex implementation projects while maintaining momentum, managing scope creep, and ensuring deliverable quality.
Training
Prepare your organization for successful system adoption through comprehensive training programs that build user confidence. Ensure your teams are not just technically capable but genuinely enthusiastic about leveraging the new system's capabilities.
Change Management
Apply proven change management principles specifically to CLM transformation initiatives. Minimize resistance and maximize engagement throughout the transition by addressing the human elements that determine technology adoption success.
Deployment and Go-Live!
Execute smooth system launches that minimize business disruption while maximizing user adoption. Master the critical transition from implementation to operational success through careful planning and proactive issue management.
Post-Implementation
Develop ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and enhancement strategies that ensure sustained CLM system value. Learn to measure ROI effectively and continuously optimize your investment for long-term business impact.
Leading the Work
Develop essential project management, leadership, and career advancement skills that position you as a strategic technology leader. Master the art of influencing without authority while managing complex, enterprise-level transformation initiatives.
Closing Thoughts
Reflect on implementation realities and develop plans for sustained long-term success in contract management. Apply lessons learned to become a CLM implementation expert who can guide others through successful transformation journeys.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Sabrina Clergé, and I bring over 25 years of legal practice experience to guiding CLM implementation. After successfully leading an enterprise-wide CLM implementation, I served as a customer reference for both my vendor and implementation partner.
During numerous reference calls with potential customers, I found that organizations were asking the wrong questions and approaching implementations without the necessary preparation. When I would bring up essential considerations, I was often met with blank stares, revealing just how little guidance was available from the customer's perspective.
These repeated interactions highlighted the gap between vendor promises and real-world implementation challenges, inspiring me to create the comprehensive guidance that organizations desperately need but rarely receive.
Choose the Right Option for You
CLM Foundations
Perfect for self-directed learners ready to transform their contract management
Get everything you need to implement CLM successfully:
- Complete 2-year access to all 30 modules of the CLM Unlocked Program
- Comprehensive video lessons with step-by-step implementation guidance
- Downloadable worksheets, templates, and practical exercises
- Audio versions for learning during commutes or while multitasking
- Immediate access to proven frameworks that eliminate guesswork
$1,997
CLM Pro Toolkit
Ideal for teams who want expert guidance and peer support throughout implementation
Everything in CLM Foundations, enhanced with ongoing support:
- Exclusive peer-only community where you can connect with other professionals in a protected environment— completely free from vendor solicitation. **To preserve the integrity of the space, membership is limited to vetted, non-vendor participants.
- 6 months of live group Q&A calls with Sabrina to get your specific questions answered. After 6 months, members can stay connected by joining for $279/month or $2678/year for the year
- Priority access to course updates and new bonus content as the CLM landscape evolves
- Direct feedback on your implementation challenges from someone who's been there
Transform your CLM project with both comprehensive training and expert and peer support.
$3,500
CLM Executive Accelerator
Designed for leaders managing high-stakes implementations who need personalized strategic guidance
Everything in CLM Pro Toolkit, plus intensive one-on-one support:
- 6 monthly private 60- minute strategy sessions plus 6 additional months access to the community
- Personalized review and feedback on your project plans, team structure, and vendor selection
- Direct access to an expert who has successfully led enterprise CLM implementations
- Strategic guidance tailored specifically to your organization's unique challenges and goals
When failure isn't an option and you need a trusted advisor by your side every step of the way.
$10,000
**CLE accreditation pending for NY, CA, IL, FL, TX.
