Have you ever explained a legal risk in clear, detailed terms—only to watch your advice get brushed aside or misunderstood? If you’re an in-house lawyer, this scenario might sound all too familiar. You bring the facts, logic, and expertise… yet somehow, the message doesn’t land.
That’s where legal storytelling for in-house counsel comes in. It’s not just about better communication—it’s how you make your insight stick and influence decisions at the highest level.
Jay Harrington, a legal marketing expert and former attorney explored this very idea. Jay works with lawyers across industries and sees the same thing: plenty of analysis, not enough connection.
As Jay puts it: facts inform, but stories persuade. And in fast-moving, high-stakes business environments, persuasion is what turns good legal advice into actionable strategy.
Watch the full conversation with Jay Harrington here:
Most in-house counsel lean into logic and structure—and rightfully so. But when it comes to guiding a business decision, leading a cross-functional team, or shaping company culture, logic alone often isn’t enough. People are far more likely to remember what they feel than what they’re simply told.
That’s why legal storytelling for in-house counsel is so powerful. It helps translate dense legal information into something relatable and meaningful. You’re not just explaining what a contract clause says—you’re showing why it matters. How it protects your team, aligns with the company’s goals, or avoids costly fallout. When your message resonates on a human level, it gets remembered—and acted on.
Legal Storytelling for In-House Counsel: From Advisor to Influencer
In-house lawyers already have a seat at the business table. But being seen as a strategic leader depends on how you use your voice in that seat. Legal storytelling is how you evolve from “risk spotter” to “business enabler.” It signals that you understand the bigger picture—and that you’re not just protecting the company from what could go wrong, but helping drive what could go right.
You don’t need a long-winded narrative. Often, the most effective stories are short, specific, and grounded in experience. A deal you saved from falling apart. A time your legal judgment helped navigate a PR crisis. These real-world moments carry weight—and they humanize your role.
How Legal Storytelling Sets In-House Counsel Apart
There are plenty of technically excellent lawyers. But the ones who rise—who earn trust, shape strategy, and become go-to leaders—are the ones who know how to tell the story behind the advice.
Legal storytelling for in-house counsel isn’t fluff or theatrics. It’s about clarity, confidence, and credibility. It helps others understand not just what you do, but why it matters. It’s what makes legal advice memorable, actionable, and impactful.
Final Thought: Communicate Like a Leader
The next time you’re presenting legal advice or guiding leadership through a complex issue, don’t just deliver the facts. Share the story behind them. Because when your message sticks, your leadership does too—and that’s when real influence begins.
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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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