Lawyers as Leaders: Why It Matters and What It Takes

This book has two parts. The first part begins by addressing why leadership development and training are essential in preparing lawyers for the roles and responsibilities they will have in their careers. The following six chapters describe The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership(R), providing qualitative and quantitative evidence of how these leadership practices improve personal and organizational productivity and stature. This operational system for leadership forms an accessible and practical basis for learning to lead and becoming the best leader you can be. The five chapters in the second part address the context in which lawyers exercise leadership. For example, thinking about leading in client relationships, in internal relationships (such as within the law firm or corporate legal office), and public roles. Examined are vital issues regarding client development ethics, effective decision-making, building emotional intelligence, diversity, equity and inclusion, and handling conflicts and adversity. In the Afterword, we focus on developing and adopting a leadership development mindset necessary for leading in challenging times. We also offer perspectives on how to be a lawyer leader who positively impacts the legal profession and the world.