Have you ever sat at your desk, staring at a contract draft or compliance checklist, and thought, “There has to be a better way to do this?” If so, you’re not the only one. That feeling of going through the motions is all too common in corporate legal departments.
But here’s the twist: what if the secret to better outcomes, more job satisfaction, and deeper impact isn’t another tool or workflow—it’s creative thinking for in-house counsel?
That’s exactly the message Tessa Manuello, founder of Legal Creatives, is championing. She’s challenging in-house legal professionals to reimagine what’s possible in their work, not by throwing out legal rigor, but by welcoming imagination into the process.
Watch the full conversation with Tessa Manuello here:
Rethinking the Role of the In-House Lawyer
Tessa’s story didn’t start in a design studio or a marketing firm—it started in the legal trenches, where she experienced firsthand the grind that many in-house lawyers know too well. But over time, she realized that sticking to the script wasn’t enough. She wanted to feel connected to her work again, to do more than just deliver legal answers. So, she asked a simple but powerful question: “Why not?”
Why not reimagine contracts as tools for collaboration, not just risk control?
Why not turn dense legal memos into clear, visually engaging narratives?
Why not use your legal expertise not just to manage issues, but to inspire better decision-making across your company?
This shift in mindset is where creative thinking for in-house counsel becomes more than a nice idea—it becomes a strategic advantage.
Creativity as a Leadership Tool
One of the biggest misconceptions is that creativity is a “soft” skill. But in-house lawyers who think creatively often become the most trusted advisors in the business. Why? Because they bring fresh solutions to old problems, simplify complexity, and help business leaders see legal as an enabler—not a roadblock.
Creative thinking for in-house counsel doesn’t mean ignoring guardrails or rewriting the rules. It means giving yourself permission to explore better ways of communicating, collaborating, and delivering legal services. It means showing up as a legal leader who doesn’t just know the law, but knows how to make it work better for the business.
Sparking Innovation Starts with One Question
The next time you’re facing a repetitive task, a difficult conversation, or a frustrating roadblock, try asking the question that changed everything for Tessa: “Why not?” Why not experiment with a new way of presenting your ideas? Why not try using visuals to explain a legal concept? Why not lead your legal team with more empathy and imagination?
Because when you open that door—even just a crack—you’ll be surprised how quickly new energy and new solutions follow. Creative thinking for in-house counsel isn’t just a trend. It’s a mindset shift that can elevate your entire legal function.
So, the takeaway? You don’t have to choose between being practical and being innovative. The best in-house lawyers are doing both—and it starts by being brave enough to ask, “Why not?”
What’s one thing in your legal work that you’ve been doing the same way for years? Maybe now’s the time to rethink it—with creativity at the core.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 8 (ft.Tessa Manuello)
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At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.
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