Back in August 2019, I transitioned into the world of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) from a business analyst background with product-based companies. At the time, CLM was still a relatively new concept for many. Platforms like Icertis were leading the way, and conversations around contract digitization and automation were just beginning to gain momentum.
As I stepped into this space, I quickly realized it was far more than just managing contracts. It was about solving real operational problems, improving visibility, and building trust across legal, procurement, and sales teams. Over time, I began exploring platforms beyond the obvious ones, tools like Sirion, Ironclad, and Agiloft. Each one brought something unique, and more importantly, helped shape my understanding of what real value looks like for the customer.
One of the most exciting things about working in CLM is that the ecosystem, though growing fast, still feels small and interconnected. Whether it’s within India or across borders, many of us know one another, collaborate across projects, and stay in touch through global communities. It’s through these connections that I’ve learned as much from conversations and shared experiences as I have from direct client engagements.
What’s become clear over time is that CLM success doesn’t come down to the tool alone. It’s about how we approach the implementation and adoption journey. Setting the right expectations is critical. If teams expect a plug-and-play solution, they’ll likely be disappointed. But if we approach it with a mindset of progressive change, it opens the door to long-term transformation.
One of the most exciting things about working in CLM is that the ecosystem, though growing fast, still feels small and interconnected
For those considering a move into CLM, here are a few lessons from my experience. Start with a clear purpose. Know what the business needs before looking at platforms or features. Bring people along with you. Legal, procurement, sales, and IT all have different stakes in the process, and engaging them early can make a big difference. Break the journey into manageable phases. Trying to launch everything at once often leads to fatigue. A focused pilot or initial use case builds trust and momentum. And lastly, keep learning. Whether it’s joining CLM communities, attending virtual meetups, or simply sharing ideas on LinkedIn, the knowledge exchange in this space is incredibly valuable.
What’s especially exciting is where the CLM industry is headed. The global CLM software market is projected to more than double by 2030, with newer players and technologies emerging rapidly. In India, the momentum is just as strong. CLM is no longer a “nice to have” it’s becoming essential for businesses looking to scale operations while staying compliant and efficient. The integration of AI is also changing the game, from smarter clause management to predictive risk scoring.
CLM is no longer a “nice to have” it’s becoming essential for businesses looking to scale operations while staying compliant and efficient
Yet even with this growth, there’s still a wide open field for professionals who want to contribute. A large percentage of legal and procurement teams are still managing contracts manually or through fragmented systems. This means there’s a real opportunity to help organizations modernize and adopt better practices.
If you’re already in the legal ops or tech space, CLM is a natural extension. And if you’re new to it, know that this is a space where curiosity, empathy, and business understanding are just as important as technical skills.
We don’t need to wait for the CLM space to become mainstream, we’re already shaping it. One project, one team, and one lesson at a time.
Zabi Ullah
Assistant Manager
KPMG
