At BarkerGilmore, we have the privilege of seeing firsthand what separates good lawyers from exceptional leaders. Decades of partnership with CEOs, CHROs, and boards have shown us technical expertise alone is not enough. The legal and compliance leaders who truly stand out are those who combine judgment, influence, and presence in ways that inspire confidence at the highest levels.
Working alongside our team of former Fortune 500 General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers, we are reminded every day that leadership is as much about how you show up as it is about what you know. From those collective insights, six traits consistently rise to the top.
1. Intellectual Rigor and Business Judgment
The most challenging moments rarely come with a playbook. A regulation no one has seen before, a precedent-defining deal, or a reputational crisis that escalates overnight are the situations that test a leader’s mettle. Those who can cut through complexity and provide clear guidance earn trust quickly. Rigor paired with judgment is what separates a smart lawyer from a strategic partner.
2. Emotional Intelligence and Influence
You cannot argue your way to alignment in the boardroom. Influence comes from listening, adapting, and building trust. Leaders who can calm strong opinions, bridge competing interests, and help a team reach a resolution are remembered as both good lawyers and as indispensable advisors. EQ and gravitas matter as much as IQ when the stakes are highest.
3. Agility in Uncertain Environments
Business rarely unfolds in straight lines. Priorities shift, regulations change, and external pressures surface without warning. Leaders who can say, “We may not have every answer today, but here’s how we move forward,” stand out. Agility in the face of ambiguity reassures executives the legal function is prepared for whatever comes next.
4. Innovation Under Constraint
No in-house team has unlimited resources. Budgets are tight, headcount is lean, and expectations are high. The leaders who rise are the ones who design creative programs, leverage technology effectively, and find solutions where others see roadblocks. Innovation under constraint signals long-term leadership potential.
5. Breadth of Experience Across Enterprise-Critical Matters
True growth happens in the moments that stretch you. High-profile investigations, global transactions, and cross-border disputes are the experiences that force leaders to synthesize complexity and guide others through it. The outcome matters, but so does how you got there. When you can tell those stories with clarity and perspective, you demonstrate readiness for bigger roles.
6. Decisive Execution
Sometimes being right is not enough. You have to be right enough, fast enough. Whether in a deal, a crisis, or a board decision, speed can define success. Leaders who move with urgency while keeping perspective show they can deliver under pressure. This ability builds enduring confidence with executives and boards alike.
Final Thought
Growth for legal and compliance leaders is not about memorizing every rule and regulation. It is about showing up in the defining moments, whether you provide clarity in uncertainty, influence without authority, or move quickly without losing judgment. These six traits are the ones executives notice most when evaluating who is ready for the next step.
For more than twenty years, BarkerGilmore has been dedicated exclusively to helping organizations identify and develop the nation’s most impactful legal and compliance leaders. Through executive search, confidential coaching, and advisory services, we partner with companies to ensure their legal and compliance executives safeguard their reputation and advance the business.
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