As an in-house lawyer, are you using every tool at your disposal to communicate clearly, guide effectively, and build trust across your organization? One overlooked asset might surprise you: legal education skills for in-house lawyers. By applying principles commonly used in teaching—like clarity, creativity, and compassion—you can become not just a legal advisor, but a more impactful, trusted business partner.
That’s exactly the mindset that Beth Colombo brings to her work. Beth is both an in-house counsel at a pricing software company and a professor of business law, and her dual roles offer a unique lens on how legal education principles can elevate the practice of in-house counsel by integrating those skills.
Watch the full conversation with Beth Colombo here:
A Career Fueled by Curiosity and Adaptability
That’s exactly the mindset that Beth Colombo, Senior Legal Counsel and Professor of Business Law, brings to her work. Beth is both an in-house counsel at a pricing software company and a faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University. Her dual roles offer a unique lens on how legal education skills for in-house lawyers can elevate legal practice. Drawing from her background in performance, law, and teaching, she shows how the same tools used in the classroom—like clarity, empathy, and creativity—can transform how in-house counsel communicate, advise, and lead.
The Four Pillars of Legal Education Skills for In-House Lawyers
Beth identifies four essential, transferable skills for in-house lawyers: communication, counseling, creativity, and compassion.
Clear communication begins with knowing your audience—whether it’s a sales leader, executive, or new employee—and tailoring your message accordingly. Beth often uses visuals or simplified language to make complex ideas easier to grasp, and she emphasizes that listening is just as important as speaking.
Counseling goes beyond giving legal advice. It’s about how that advice is delivered. Beth highlights the importance of tone, timing, and being fully present. Even short conversations can build trust when clients feel heard and respected.
Creativity plays a key role in legal problem-solving. For example, contract negotiations don’t have to be rigid. Beth encourages reframing conversations, proposing alternative language, and looking for solutions that work for everyone involved. Flexibility is often more valuable than flash.
Finally, compassion makes a lasting difference. Beth advocates for empathy, especially when working with junior team members or non-legal colleagues. Instead of pointing out mistakes, she coaches others—building stronger, more collaborative relationships over time.
Why Legal Education Makes You a Stronger In-House Lawyer
Beth’s involvement with educational institutions like Southern New Hampshire University and her alma mater’s board further reinforces her belief that teaching and learning aren’t distractions from legal practice—they enhance it. Notably, these experiences have sharpened her ability to translate legal concepts, guide decision-making, and lead with empathy, thereby emphasizing the importance of legal education skills for in-house lawyers.
And the more she teaches, the more she learns. That reciprocal dynamic has made her a more effective in-house lawyer and a more thoughtful communicator.
The Takeaway: Teaching Is Leading
Beth’s story is a compelling reminder that legal education skills for in-house lawyers aren’t just for professors or mentors—they’re for anyone looking to be more effective in their role. When you bring communication, counseling, creativity, and compassion into your daily practice, you don’t just advise—you guide, support, and lead.
So if you’re looking for a new way to grow your in-house practice, consider sharpening your skills through mentoring, teaching, or simply approaching your internal clients like students eager to learn. In this way, strong legal education skills for in-house lawyers can lead to stronger relationships, clearer communication, and better outcomes—for everyone.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 4, Episode 9 (ft.Beth Colombo)
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