When you think about being an effective in-house lawyer, you might picture contracts, risk assessment, and negotiation skills. But have you considered how creativity in in-house legal work can enhance your legal abilities?
Legal work is often seen as rigid and rule-bound, but creativity plays a critical role in solving business challenges, structuring deals, and driving innovation. Sarah Feingold, former General Counsel at Etsy and co-founder of The Fourth Floor, discovered this firsthand. Her background in metalsmithing influenced her legal thinking in unexpected ways, proving that a creative approach can make lawyers more adaptable, strategic, and valuable to their organizations.
Watch the full conversation with Sarah Feingold here:
The Unexpected Connection Between Art and Law
Feingold began making jewelry at 12 and later earned a minor in metalsmithing. While law and metalsmithing seem unrelated, both require precision, problem-solving, and iteration. Just as an artist envisions a final design before refining each detail, a lawyer drafts, revises, and negotiates agreements to achieve the best outcome.
Legal work often lacks tangible proof of progress. “As lawyers, what do we have to show for our work? Emails? Maybe some data? But when you make something physical, you see your progress,” Feingold explained. The process of creation—visualizing, experimenting, and refining—is the same whether crafting a sculpture or structuring a corporate transaction.
Contracts, like art, evolve over time. Olga V. Mack, a seasoned general counsel, has seen firsthand how agreements drafted with the best intentions may not always work as expected. “Sometimes you think you have created the perfect contract, only to find it plays out differently. That is why iteration and flexibility matter.”
In-house lawyers who embrace creativity in in-house legal work understand that business realities shift. Adapting legal strategies to fit these changes is essential for providing business-aligned solutions.
A Beginner’s Mindset in Creativity for In-House Legal Work
Creativity flourishes when paired with a beginner’s mindset—a willingness to question assumptions, stay curious, and embrace learning. In-house lawyers are expected to provide answers, but business challenges are constantly evolving. Relying solely on past experience can limit innovative thinking.
Feingold believes that approaching legal work with curiosity leads to better outcomes. “As in-house lawyers, we’re expected to have answers. But business constantly evolves. A beginner’s mindset allows you to approach new problems with curiosity instead of defensiveness.”
Instead of looking for standard solutions, in-house counsel should ask: What is the real business objective? What risks are critical to address? What unconventional approaches could achieve a better outcome?
Uncertainty is part of both creative and legal work. The best legal solutions emerge from a willingness to test ideas, adjust strategies, and recognize when change is necessary.
Creativity in In-House Legal Work
Legal work thrives when creativity meets compliance. The best in-house counsel don’t just enforce rules—they reimagine how to work within them. They build flexible contracts that anticipate real needs, design compliance programs that enable growth, and treat risk management as a strategic tool rather than a barrier.
Like artists with a blank canvas, they combine legal expertise with inventive problem-solving to craft solutions that work in practice—not just on paper.
Strengthening Legal Teams Through Creativity in In-House Legal Work
Creative legal teams are stronger, more engaged, and more effective. When lawyers are encouraged to think beyond the rules, they solve problems better, collaborate more, and stay invested in their work. Retention isn’t just about salary. It’s about purpose.
Recognizing creativity is just as vital as valuing technical skill. Strategic thinking and innovation set great in-house lawyers apart, driving meaningful change. The best legal minds don’t just interpret the law—they shape what’s possible.
Creativity isn’t a bonus; it’s a competitive edge. Legal expertise matters, but curiosity and adaptability make corporate counsel indispensable. In a fast-moving world, the lawyers who think differently lead the way.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 1, Episode 9 (ft. Sarah Feingold)
Join the Conversation
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.
What’s been your biggest breakthrough moment in your legal career? Let’s talk about it—share your story.
