There’s a Seat for You at Tables You Haven’t Even Seen Yet: Showing Leadership as In-House Counsel
- mckenziecotter
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
Leadership as in-house counsel isn’t about your title. It isn’t about how long you’ve been at the company, a fancy title, or the size of your team. True leadership is about presence, initiative, and influence. It's about stepping into situations and shaping outcomes, no matter where you sit. You can lead from any role, and if you’re ready to accelerate your career, it’s critical that you do.
Here are three powerful ways to demonstrate leadership right where you are:
Own the business, not just the law: Exceptional in-house counsel go beyond giving legal advice - they engrain themselves in the business. Ask why decisions are being made, understand the strategy behind them, and consider the broader implications of every choice. Don’t stop at legal compliance; proactively think about how your work can drive business outcomes, protect value, and enable growth. Leaders are not just problem-solvers, they are business enablers.
Communicate like an executive: The ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, concise, and actionable business guidance is a hallmark of leadership. Speak in terms of risk, opportunity, and outcomes - not just rules and regulations. Anticipate questions, frame solutions strategically, and help decision-makers see the path forward. When you communicate with clarity, confidence, and perspective, you position yourself as a trusted advisor; someone whose input shapes strategy and earns a seat at the table. A good way to think of it - bring solutions not problems.
Model calm, clarity, and confidence: Challenges and ambiguity are inevitable. What separates leaders is how they respond. Stay composed, think clearly, and provide guidance when things get messy. People remember the individuals who bring calmness to chaos, instill confidence, and offer steady, practical solutions.
Leadership isn’t something you wait for - it’s something you step into, claim, and make your own. It is earned through presence, action, and consistent, strategic contribution. Start leading where you are today, and you will find that the tables where decisions are made - the rooms and people you may not see and know yet - will start to notice you.
