Leading lights

This is an outstanding book, not only about legal leadership but about leadership itself. This is important in any role, but particularly in-house, where influence often matters more than formal authority; leadership is expected regardless of title or seniority. 

Technical expertise is only one element of leading well. Self-awareness, judgement, communication, empathy, agility, reflection and the ability to bring out the best in others are key. 

This book is clear, practical and immediately useful. Its exercises and guidance turn leadership principles into actions applicable to daily work, making them relevant far beyond their legal utility.  

The section on policies and repositories made me smile. Over the past year, our legal team has built an AI-powered information repository. What began as a tool for routine queries has developed into a central company channel. Colleagues across the business can raise broader questions, share information and support one another. This has reduced the time we spend on routine queries (the original goal) and increased the legal team’s visibility, not just advising but also leading in sharing knowledge and accessing information.

The book’s emphasis on self-awareness is valuable. Lawyers are often encouraged to be decisive and confident, but effective leadership requires listening, reflection and an understanding of how personal behaviour affects others. This quality, together with empathy and agility, is non-negotiable.

Legal Leadership is essential reading for in-house lawyers who want to become more thoughtful, effective and trusted leaders, regardless of title, profession or career stage. It addresses what all effective leadership requires. 

As a lawyer of many years, I am all too aware that legal training places considerable emphasis on technical knowledge, analysis and risk management. But far less attention is still too often given to the leadership responsibilities that lawyers assume as their careers develop. I wish I had had this book when I started on my own leadership journey. 

Loest’s guide is not only valuable for senior counsel. I consider it a must-read for anyone starting in their legal career. I am going to encourage our team paralegal to read it.

Smriti Sinha is general counsel at Opus 2