Leadership Skills for Legal Professionals: Lessons from Mary Smith

What does it truly mean to lead effectively in the legal profession? For lawyers aspiring to make a lasting impact, leadership development is more than holding a title—it’s about cultivating the skills to inspire, motivate, and guide others. Leadership skills for legal professionals are an evolving process rooted in clarity, reflection, and a commitment to empowering others.

Mary Smith, President-elect of the American Bar Association, is a trailblazing leader whose diverse background, historic achievements, and deep insight offer a compelling blueprint for legal professionals seeking to grow their leadership skills. Through her experience, Mary exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, intentionality, and emotional intelligence.

Watch the full conversation with Mary Smith here:

Mary Smith’s career path defies convention. She began as a systems programmer before transitioning to law, working in private practice, public service, and eventually becoming CEO of a major healthcare organization. Leadership Skills for Legal Professionals require adaptability, strategic vision, and emotional intelligence—especially when leading across diverse sectors. Today, Mary serves on corporate boards, advises organizations, and leads her own foundation. For her, leadership is not about position—it’s a mindset grounded in service and agility.

Mary made history as the first Native American woman elected to lead the American Bar Association. Her leadership is not only symbolic—it reflects her deep commitment to inclusion, justice, and supporting future generations of legal professionals. Leadership skills for legal professionals, as demonstrated by Mary, encompass addressing pressing issues such as the erosion of democratic institutions and challenges facing the rule of law. Mary views leadership as a responsibility to uplift others and use your platform to effect meaningful change. Her story shows that leadership development for legal professionals requires both courage and conviction.

Mary emphasizes that vision is at the heart of effective leadership. She shares how, in leading a low-morale organization, she focused on communication, clarity, and building trust. Her goal was not to impose a plan but to co-create one with her team. She knew her leadership was resonating when she heard her own words echoed back to her by team members. According to Mary, successful leaders don’t just speak—they inspire belief and foster collaboration around a shared vision.

One of Mary’s key leadership lessons is the power of intentionality. She notes how small behaviors, such as consistently turning on video during virtual meetings, can send a strong message about presence, commitment, and transparency. Leadership development for legal professionals doesn’t just come from large initiatives—it comes from how leaders show up every day. Mary believes creating a culture of openness and psychological safety is essential, especially when navigating uncertainty or change.

Mary is transparent about her own leadership mistakes and the growth that followed. She speaks openly about times when she failed to delegate or didn’t seek input early enough. These experiences taught her the importance of self-awareness, listening, and trusting others. She underscores emotional intelligence as a key leadership trait—being attuned to how your actions affect others and having the humility to adjust. Surrounding yourself with people who provide honest feedback, she says, is essential for personal and professional growth.

Mary Smith’s story offers an inspiring example of leadership built on integrity, resilience, and service. Her journey proves that Leadership Skills for Legal Professionals are not innate—they are developed through intentional action, reflection, and the courage to lead with empathy. Whether you’re managing a team, serving clients, or guiding change in your organization, the opportunity to grow as a leader is always present. Leadership, at its best, is about lifting others while continuing to evolve yourself.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 5, Episode 15 (ft. Mary Smith)

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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