Ever found yourself leading a team and wondering, “Am I actually equipped for this?” If you’ve moved into an in-house legal role, chances are you’ve had to lead before feeling fully prepared. The reality is that developing leadership skills for in-house lawyers often comes as a byproduct of growing responsibility—not formal training. When developed intentionally, this skillset can transform your career and your team.
That’s something Anirma Gupta, SVP and General Counsel at Carbon Inc., knows well. Her path from patent litigation associate to leading a legal team wasn’t marked by a clear-cut goal to manage others. Like many in-house counsel, she gradually stepped into leadership as the work grew more complex. This required collaboration, and what she’s learned offers a powerful framework. Especially, for anyone navigating this same transition, she highlights the importance of leadership among in-house legal professionals.
Watch the full conversation with Beth Anirma Gupta here:
Developing Leadership Skills for In-House Lawyers: From Tasks to Team Empowerment
In the beginning, Anirma was laser-focused on execution—getting the work done efficiently and effectively. But over time, she began receiving feedback pointing to something else. Leadership is not just about output, but about how you empower others to succeed. For those in-house lawyers aspiring to lead, developing people leadership skills can be transformative. That realization shifted how she viewed her role, prompting her to lean into feedback, self-reflection, and people development with greater intention.
She began actively asking her team not only what she could improve but how she could better support them. This opened the door to more honest conversations. It helped her understand the deeper needs of her team—not just their deliverables. Leadership, she discovered, is about presence, curiosity, and growth—both your own and your team’s, particularly in people leadership within the legal industry.
Using Leadership Skills to Boost Engagement in In-House Legal Teams
Anirma emphasizes that prioritizing people is more than just a leadership buzzword—it’s a practical approach to building a resilient legal team. But how do you actually assess engagement? She looks for subtle signs such as energy in meetings, a willingness to take initiative, or whether team members seem stretched too thin. Through regular one-on-ones and informal chats, she stays in tune with morale and motivation. She focuses on the principles of leadership necessary for in-house legal roles.
She also uses skip-level conversations and even casual lunch meetings to observe team dynamics and build trust. These touchpoints are more than check-ins—they’re moments to understand what’s working and where support is needed. A happy, engaged legal team, she believes, isn’t just more productive. It’s more creative, collaborative, and resilient, essential for effective people leadership among in-house counsel.
Leadership Skills that Support Inclusive, High-Performing Legal Teams
Part of building high-performing teams, Anirma says, is about embracing diversity—not just in demographics but in thought. She taps into her professional network to source talent from varied backgrounds. She focuses on candidates who bring a team-first mindset. To her, diverse teams aren’t just more inclusive—they’re smarter, more agile, and better problem solvers. These attributes are vital for leadership in in-house lawyer teams.
The ability to foster that kind of environment takes more than good intentions. It requires leaders who listen, who adapt, and who care deeply about people—not just performance.
The Core of Leadership Skills for In-House Lawyers: Empathy, Growth, and Presence
Anirma’s journey reminds us that leadership for in-house lawyers is less about titles and more about behavior. It’s about how you show up, grow with your team, and create space for others to thrive. For in-house counsel stepping into leadership, the question isn’t whether you’re ready—it’s whether you’re willing to start. With empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to people-first leadership, the rest will follow.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 4, Episode 10 (ft.Anirma Gupta)
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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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