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What does it mean to be an influential legal leader and add value to your organisation? 9 out of 10 in-house lawyers believe that ‘protecting brand reputation’ to be a key way the legal function directly demonstrates value.

Dr Paul Hughes, Chief Engagement Director of Centre for Creative Leadership takes another approach to increasing influence in the organisation. He describes lawyer qualities such as curiosity, passion, and knowledge of the organisational purpose as key drivers for increasing influence within the business. Combining this with the cultivation of relationships and collaboration, lawyers will be constantly learning and understanding the business better, which will ultimately drive their ability to influence and add value.     

Watch the video below where Dr Paul Hughes, Chief Engagement Director of Centre for Creative Leadership, argues whether in-house lawyers are already influential enough and sets out practical steps they can take to add even more value to their business.

How in-house lawyers can create value through collaboration

1. See the big picture: It is imperative to get a clear vision and definition of the business strategy and determine how legal fits within it.
2. Get to know the business: Improve relationships and align with the needs and issues facing other departments.
3. Be an ambassador: Represent the business as part of the business, not as an adjacent adjudicator, when interfacing with customers.
4. Advocate for the business: Lobby regulators and governmental bodies on the industry issues.
5. Take the lead: Guide the team of non-legal projects that impact on the strategic direction of the business.
6. Share best learnings: Offer up sector and industry insights in order to influence organisational strategy.

Read: creating value through cross collaboration

Reducing legal risk: Practical peer insights from in-house counsel

1. Learn and understand: create a legal risk audit at least twice a year to gain a greater understanding of the business and the possible risks on the horizon.
2. Stay up‐to‐date: Review — at least quarterly — to ensure you have the latest news and are prepared for upcoming legal changes so you have relevant solutions and next steps planned to manage it.
3. Communicate clearly: Create processes that can be actively reviewed to communicate the levels and impact of risk to business stakeholders.
4. Educate the business: Ensure review policies, playbooks, and training for business colleagues on the risks and how to avoid and manage them are reviewed regularly to stay ahead
5. Say informed: Subscribe to risk updates and regulatory scanners to ensure the legal function is appropriately informed of any changes in the legal and regulatory environment.

To find out more on how your in-house legal team can create value download the latest report here.

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