Opportunities for lawyers who aspire to be CEO
In-house lawyers bring a powerful mix of skills that can set them up for success as CEOs. Their expertise in managing risk, navigating complexity, and making sound, ethical decisions gives them a strong foundation for leadership.
Add strategic thinking and cross-functional influence to this and it's clear they have the tools to lead a business, not just advise it. Here, we delve into some key opportunities from our research.
The value of sound risk awareness
In-house lawyers have a natural edge in risk management – a critical part of any CEO’s role. While executives constantly weigh opportunities against potential liabilities, legal professionals are trained to navigate this balance with precision. General Counsel, in particular, know how to protect the business while enabling it to grow.
The ability to anticipate, measure and thoughtfully mitigate risks is more than a defensive skill. It's a key leadership asset. Right now, as regulatory landscapes are increasingly intricate and risks to reputation can emerge quickly, this skill is invaluable.
The most effective legal leaders don't just identify risks – they help transform potential obstacles into strategic opportunities. This is what sets them apart for the CEO role.
Ethics and empathy as leadership assets
In-house lawyers often bring a strong ethical lens to leadership decisions. Especially in a corporate landscape where stakeholders are demanding more transparency and social responsibility. Lawyers are trained to ask tough questions and make sure actions align with both legal frameworks and bigger ethical considerations.
Empathy also emerges from our data as a valuable leadership strength. Lawyers who work closely with multiple departments understand the human dynamics behind corporate decisions. As one participant put it, “We bring empathy for understanding problems rather than blind insistence on achieving an objective regardless of how it’s done.”
This blend of ethics and emotional intelligence helps legal leaders see beyond compliance, and lead with integrity and impact.
What skills or attributes might make in-house lawyers uniquely qualified to become a CEO?
“We bring empathy for understanding problems rather than blind insistence on achieving an objective regardless of how it’s done.”
Solving problems at the highest level
Legal professionals are masters of navigating complex problems. Their analytical skills – honed through years of managing high-stakes challenges – are perfect for top executive roles. Yet there's a catch: the stereotype of lawyers getting lost in details can hold them back.
Lawyers looking to the CEO position may need to prove they can strike a balance, by demonstrating an ability to zoom out, make swift decisions and prioritise business outcomes. It's not about abandoning detail-oriented thinking, but about showing how deep-dive into a project approach can drive strategy.