Why Lawyers Must Rebrand Themselves to Become True Business Leaders

Brenda highlights that one of the toughest hurdles lawyers face when stepping into broader business or leadership roles is how the profession often brands itself, as technical specialists rather than commercial contributors. This perception, she notes, is frequently reinforced by lawyers themselves, particularly when they focus solely on legal expertise instead of the wider business impact of their work.

Another significant challenge is mindset. Many lawyers are trained to avoid risk, and recalibrating toward informed risk‑taking, the kind that supports growth and strategic decision‑making, doesn’t always come easily. Brenda encourages lawyers to lean into curiosity, get close to how the business actually operates, and take the time to learn the language of finance, strategy and commercial decision‑making.

Stepping into non‑legal roles, she adds, also requires humility,knowing what you don’t know and being comfortable seeking out expertise when needed. Ultimately, Brenda’s message is clear: lawyers must consciously build their internal brand, positioning themselves not just as advisers, but as strategic leaders who actively shape the direction of the business.