Why Little Things Matter for In-House Counsel Legal Leadership

Have you ever wondered if the smallest details in your legal work really matter? From disclaimers buried in marketing copy to quick edits on client communications, these details can seem insignificant. However, they often carry the weight of trust, clarity, and brand reputation. For in-house counsel, overlooking the “little things” can quietly undermine both legal and business goals. This attention to detail is part of effective in-house counsel legal leadership.

Recently, I spoke with Brittany Becker, Product and Marketing Counsel at Redfin, who reminded me that small details can shape big outcomes. In her role, she reviews everything from real estate ads to postcards and even the disclaimers that most consumers might skim past. At first glance, this may sound like mundane work, but Brittany argues it’s exactly where the impact lies. This approach is indicative of in-house counsel legal leadership. When you take the time to get the details right, you’re not just protecting the company legally. You’re also shaping how customers experience the brand and how colleagues experience working with legal.

Watch the full conversation with Brittany Becker here:  

Disclaimers are a perfect example. Too often, they’re written in dense, legalistic language that no one reads. Brittany sees them differently: they’re not about covering the company with boilerplate but about communicating clearly and honestly with consumers. For her, disclaimers should be easy to understand, concise, and — when appropriate — even a little bit human. That small shift from “sterile legalese” to plain language isn’t just a better customer experience. It also builds long-term trust in the company’s communications and showcases the legal leadership expected from in-house counsel.

For in-house lawyers, clarity isn’t just about what’s written in contracts or product documentation. It’s also about how you answer a colleague’s quick question, how you present options to leadership, and how you explain risk without jargon. Every interaction is a chance to build credibility, and that credibility rests on clarity, which is a cornerstone of legal leadership for in-house counsel.

Brittany shared a philosophy many in-house lawyers will recognize: how you do anything is how you do everything. If you treat the “small” work — like reviewing a postcard or drafting a disclaimer — with diligence and care, you build a reputation as someone who can be trusted with bigger, more strategic projects. This kind of diligence is essential in legal leadership roles within companies. The inverse is also true. Dismissing the little things can cast doubt on your ability to handle complex matters, impacting your capability in holding in-house counsel legal leadership roles.

This principle extends beyond marketing copy or contracts. Think of it as part of your leadership toolkit as in-house counsel. Responding promptly to emails, showing empathy in tough conversations, or taking the time to mentor junior colleagues — these small, consistent actions signal who you are as a professional. They shape how others experience legal within the business. Such actions are foundational to effective in-house counsel legal leadership.

In the fast-paced world of corporate law, it’s tempting to focus only on “big ticket” items: bet-the-company litigation, major regulatory shifts, or board-level strategy. But as Brittany’s experience shows, careers are built as much on small moments as on high-stakes projects. Handling these details effectively demonstrates your leadership style and vision as part of in-house counsel. The way you handle details communicates your values, your professionalism, and your leadership style as part of in-house counsel.

For in-house counsel, mastering the little things isn’t about perfectionism — it’s about clarity, consistency, and trust. Those qualities not only reduce risk but also strengthen your voice as a leader inside the organization, embodying the essence of in-house counsel legal leadership.

So the next time you’re tempted to rush through the “small stuff,” remember: it’s often the little things that say the most about you, your company, and your career.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 8, Episode 7 (ft.Brittany Becker)

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.