10 Strategies to Go from Legal Expert to Enterprise Leader

Evolve beyond subject matter expertise to become a cross-functional, strategic executive with P&L awareness

Laurie Robinson Haden | Winter 2025

In today’s business environment, being a top legal mind is no longer enough to secure a seat at the executive table. Companies are looking for legal leaders who can think like business operators—those who understand the company’s financials, growth drivers, and risks beyond litigation. Here are 10 strategies to elevate from legal expert to enterprise leader.

1. Speak the Language of the BusinessLegal acumen must be translated into commercial value. Learn to discuss ROI, margins, market share, and EBITDA.

Example: Instead of saying “we reduced litigation exposure,” say “our proactive legal strategy saved the company $8M in potential losses and preserved customer trust.”

2. Build Cross-Functional CredibilityForge alliances across departments—finance, operations, HR, marketing—to break out of the “legal silo.”

Example: Partner with the product team to streamline go-to-market timelines by embedding legal checkpoints early in the development cycle.

3. Learn the FinancialsDevelop fluency in your company’s P&L, balance sheet, and KPIs. Understand what drives revenue and how legal can support or hinder it.

Example: Participate in quarterly business reviews and offer legal strategies that align with growth targets and cost controls.

4. Be a Strategic Problem-Solver, Not Just a Risk ManagerMove from “no” to “how.” Business leaders respect lawyers who find compliant ways to move forward.

Example: Rather than blocking a global marketing campaign due to regulatory risk, develop alternative messaging that meets both legal and business needs.

5. Champion Enterprise-Wide InitiativesLead or co-lead initiatives beyond legal, such as ESG, DEI, AI governance, or crisis response.

Example: Take ownership of the company’s enterprise risk committee and align legal, compliance, and cybersecurity under a unified strategy.

6. Mentor Rising Talent Across DepartmentsPosition yourself as a leadership developer, not just a legal gatekeeper.

Example: Offer reverse mentorship programs with younger leaders in tech or marketing to stay informed and accessible.

7. Join Strategy and Innovation Conversations EarlyDon’t wait to be brought in at the end. Position yourself as an early-stage advisor on new products, markets, or M&A.

Example: Sit on the corporate development or innovation council to flag legal friction points before they become blockers.

8. Build a Personal Brand as a Business Leader Who Happens to Be a LawyerSpeak at business conferences, write thought leadership on strategic growth, and serve on nonprofit boards.

Example: Contribute a LinkedIn post on “Legal’s Role in Driving AI Innovation” and how it enables responsible scaling.

9. Understand and Influence Company CultureLeaders shape culture—legal executives should help define the tone on ethics, transparency, and decision-making.

Example: Partner with HR to create a values-based contracting policy that reflects both compliance and the company’s brand promise.

10. Deliver Metrics that Matter to the BusinessMove beyond legal dashboards. Tie legal performance to business outcomes.

Example: Report on how early IP filings contributed to product differentiation and a 12% increase in market share.

In conclusion, becoming an enterprise leader means stepping out of the legal box and leaning into the business. Influence, integration, and impact—not just legal knowledge—will distinguish you as a top-tier executive.

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