In-house lawyers are frequently accused of slowing down business momentum with “red flags” and a general inclination toward the word “no.” Although deserved on occasion, this is mostly a misleading perception which attorneys can disprove by following a set of universal principles for demonstrating true value to internal clients. In previous posts, we discussed principle 1: “know your client’s business,” principle 2: “understand the real question being asked,” and principle 3: “stop saying no.” Finally, we will examine the last principle: “take more risk.”

In this 4-part series, we’re discussing the various ways in-house lawyers can add value within an organization. Drawing on 30 years of legal experience, I have identified 4 universal principles that attorneys can follow to demonstrate their true business savvy and legal skills. As previously shared, principle 1: “know your client’s business” and principle 2: “understand the real question being asked” are both critically important practices proven to help attorneys build trust and strengthen client relationships. Next, we will review the third principle: “stop saying ‘no’.”

Let’s dive into the second installment of my 4-part series on how in-house attorneys can demonstrate true value within an organization by following 4 universal principles. In part one, we explored the first, and perhaps most important, principle: know your client’s business. Next, we will review principle 2: “understand the real question being asked.”

The start of a new year is often marked with resolutions to do things differently, whether in our personal or professional lives. However, despite the best of intentions, competing priorities and unexpected events can easily sidetrack these goals. This year, the threat of a recession looms large and is already beginning to impact business across all sectors, including legal services. For in-house legal departments, such predictions will likely create pressure to do more internally with fewer resources, which is why lawyers must double down on setting goals for themselves and following through in order to meet the challenges of the year ahead.

How many times have lawyers heard that:

Most businesses realize that intellectual property (IP) is a valuable asset worthy of investment and protection; yet many limit the potential of their portfolio by thinking too narrowly about the full range of IP that is owned and how best to leverage it. Having a clear IP strategy focused upon revenue enhancement can help avoid such limitations, and in-house counsel can play a key leadership role in this work by helping to develop and implement a plan that identifies, protects and monetizes their clients’ IP to the greatest advantage.

Resolutions for the new year are typically serious and focused on important areas of our lives, such a health, exercise, career development, and being better organized

Although these are all noble initiatives, laughing more often also can improve the start of the new year. As ee cummings said: “ The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”