Mark Nishihara Email & Phone Number

San Jose, Ca, Us

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Gb

Elevating Legal Operations with a Data-Driven Mindset & AI AdoptionAs a Sr. Legal Operations Manager, I'm a bridge-builder between legal acumen and technological agility. Armed with a data-driven mindset and an unquenchable thirst to embrace cutting-edge AI technologies, I'm meticulously weaving efficiency and innovation into the very fabric of our legal department’s operations.Streamlining with Microsoft, Adobe & Jira ArsenalWith a treasure trove like a Microsoft E5 license (and all that comes with it), Adobe Acrobat Sign enterprise, and Jira Service Management and Confluence at our disposal, the strategy is simple yet effective - extract every ounce of value from what we have. Through the above platforms, plus add-ons like Power Virtual Agents, Microsoft Syntex, and Generative AI like GPT-4, I am revolutionizing our legal infrastructure, while keeping an ever-watchful eye for the next ingenious solution.Championing a Culture of InnovationInnovation is contagious! I serve not only as a strategist but also as an evangelist of creativity. By cultivating a culture where experimentation thrives, I am igniting sparks within our team/department and proving the transformative impact of our initiatives.Rolling Up the Sleeves – The Business Systems Analyst WithinI firmly believe in the power of hands-on exploration. Wearing the hat of a Business Systems Analyst, I dive into the depths of our tools and processes. My DIY spirit drives me to tinker and tailor solutions that maximize efficiency without the need for external resources.Leading a Cohort of Legal TrailblazersGuiding a spirited legal operations team is one of my proudest roles. Together, we navigate through every layer of operations, ranging from everyday procedures to complex projects, as we boldly carve out our path in the legal domain.“Optimize, Innovate, and Lead – With a dash of tinkering and a whole lot of vision!”

San Jose, California, Us

Operational Excellence, Technological Savvy & Compliance RigorServing as a Legal Operations Manager, I was the central gear driving a wide range of legal operations - from special projects such as litigation support, eDiscovery, SEC filings, and M&A to the optimization of contract systems, processes, and standard templates. My diverse portfolio also included managing work requests, crafting training materials, drafting communications, and providing instrumental support to a team of 9 in-house attorneys, company executives, and cross-functional teams.Instrumental in CLM Implementation & MaintenanceMy instrumental role in the implementation and maintenance of a contracts lifecycle management system was characterized by my hands-on involvement in the legacy data migration, configuration, beta testing, and tier 1 support. I ensured seamless operations by setting up advanced alerts for key contract expiration and renewal deadlines, facilitating reporting for SOX compliance testing, and partnering with vendors to enhance the Microsoft Word plugin for clause library access.Implementing Box.com for Easy Access to Key ContentIn my quest to enable on-the-go access to contracts and key content, I implemented Box.com for 400 users across functions. I collaborated with attorneys and stakeholders to identify requirements, evaluate vendors, provide demos, and oversee access and permissions, thereby elevating productivity, and collaboration.E-billing Implementation with Thomson's Legal TrackerIn line with my commitment to efficiency and sustainability, I led the shift from paper to electronic billing using Thomson's Legal Tracker ("Serengeti"). This allowed in-house counsel to manage billing online, enhancing the efficiency of managing matters with vendors, tracking, and monitoring billing and payment issues.

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

As a Global Projects Manager and Business Systems Analyst in the Finance domain, I was the maestro leading a symphony of large-scale technological implementations and strategic initiatives that resonated across the globe.Automating Negotiated Contractual Pricing with Oracle 11iWith a laser focus on optimizing financial operations, I spearheaded the implementation of Oracle 11i Quality Pricing Module in 2008. This enterprise-wide automation brought the precision and efficiency of rule-based pricing to our diverse range of products and services.A Strategy Maven & ConvenerI stood tall on the global stage, leading design and strategy sessions that commanded the buy-in from an esteemed panel of 20 Senior Vice Presidents in 2007. My keynote address and follow-up sessions in Santa Clara, CA, crystallized the vision for over 300 stakeholders, integrating diverse perspectives into a cohesive strategy.Record Conversion MaestroNavigating the complexities of data migration, I championed the successful conversion of 20,000+ records to Oracle 11i in 2009. My tenacious leadership guided a team of 10, with three geographically dispersed sub-teams, to achieve a stellar 99.9% conversion success rate – the highest among all entities.Global Educator & E-Curriculum DeveloperEducation is empowerment. With that mantra, I embarked on a global training expedition. Over six months, I trained 300+ employees spanning from Amersfoort to Singapore. My innovation extended to the development of an E-curriculum, authoring user-friendly "Cliffs Notes," and engaging in face-to-face application training.Ace of Software TestingI upheld uncompromising quality standards, meeting 100% of software testing deliverables across six test cycles, and consistently outpacing targets for each deployment phase between 2008/2009. My resourcefulness shone as I managed and leveraged infrastructure resources to drive the test plan to completion.

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

Pioneering Global Efficiency & Compliance in Contracts ManagementAs a CLM Global PM, my stewardship of contracts lifecycle management revolved around a relentless pursuit of operational efficiency, cost optimization, and unyielding compliance adherence on a global scale.Orchestrating Integration for Quantum Gains in EfficiencyIn 2003, as a maestro of contracts management, I piloted a game-changing integration of our Contracts Lifecycle Management system with four mission-critical applications - ERP, Quoting, CRM, and Online Store. This strategic maneuver manifested in a jaw-dropping $10 million in annual operating cost savings, a 2-hour reduction in quoting cycle time, and an impressive 25% uptick in compliant sales transactions.Anchoring Compliance with GSA & SOX in Contracts ManagementWith an unwavering commitment to uphold the highest standards, I was the torchbearer for GSA and SOX compliance in contracts management in 2005. My holistic approach encompassed an array of system and process enhancements, coupled with the creation of an E-curriculum that illuminated policies and procedures. Additionally, my facilitation of contract summaries' usage throughout the company served as an empowering tool for informed decision-making.Architecting Digital Archiving for Scalable Cost-SavingsI seized the helm in 2004 to streamline and digitize contracts archival by integrating 15,000+ agreements into Iron Mountain Digital Archives. With shrewd management and exacting specifications of requirements and processes, I carved out $150,000 in annual savings. My change management acumen was at its zenith as I rallied across six Business Units, cultivating synergy and a frictionless transition.“A vanguard of contracts lifecycle management, masterfully sculpting the landscape of global efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and unwavering compliance.”

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

Leading Governance & Building the Future of Contract ManagementAs the North American Contract Administration Operations Manager at Sun Microsystems, I was at the helm of a dynamic team of 12, orchestrating governance and fortifying the infrastructure that underpinned the sales, operations, finance, and legal departments.Innovating Contract Lifecycle Management with ACTSOne of the crowning achievements during this tenure was the creation of our first-ever contracts lifecycle management system – "All Contracts Tracking System" (ACTS). With a talented developer by my side, I was instrumental in the design and implementation of ACTS. This innovation proved to be a game-changer, revolutionizing how contracts were managed and tracked across the organization.Liaison Extraordinaire & Simplification StrategistServing as the primary liaison to various business units, my role was multi-faceted. I streamlined communication channels and nurtured relationships, while spearheading simplification projects that encompassed process redesign, comprehensive documentation, and change management.Guardian of Contract ComplianceMy watchful eye extended beyond innovation. I supported our timely responses to GSA and internal audits to ensure contract compliance and vigilantly safeguarded the company against grey market activities.

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

Provided operational support to a team of 15 In-House Lawyers and Contract Managers in the US. Functioned as a central hub to ensure seamless execution of day-to-day tasks, streamlining processes and managing office operations for maximum efficiency.