The legal industry stands at a critical juncture. The global landscape has undergone profound geopolitical shifts, making the world we once knew hardly recognisable. In this context, legal leaders are required to prepare for the unpredictable and to train their teams to respond with agility, often stepping into leadership roles themselves.

Simultaneously, rapid technological advancements, most notably in artificial intelligence, are poised to disrupt legal services in unprecedented ways. This presents legal leaders with immense opportunities. By focusing on core deliverables and allowing systems to handle routine tasks, legal teams can enhance their effectiveness and strategic value.

Drawing on the author’s 30 years of experience in the field, Legal Leadership: A Practical Guide for In-house Lawyers analyses the pivotal role legal leaders play in shaping high-performing teams, both as culture architects and strategic thinkers. Dr Thomas Loest discusses foundational leadership theories and offers practical insights from his personal experience, gained in the military as well as on the job climbing through the ranks to group general counsel of a $22bn luxury conglomerate. A resource for all levels, Legal Leadership: A Practical Guide for In-house Lawyers provides practicable and actionable guidance using the power of storytelling. The approach is pragmatic, offering a business-focused vision for the legal function, with recommendations for implementation.