Transforming Law Firms with High-Agency Leadership

Transforming Law Firms with High-Agency Leadership

Legal leaders must do more than identify risks. They also have to shape strategy, own outcomes, and help steer their organizations forward. A Bloomberg Law article by Tom Dunlop, CEO of Summize, offers a compelling blueprint for legal executives who want a greater voice in business decisions and broader influence across the enterprise. His core message is that cultivating high agency leadership—a mindset rooted in proactivity, problem ownership, and accountability—can transform in-house legal teams from reactive risk managers into strategic enablers.

High-agency leadership helps law firm leaders distinguish themselves by their decisiveness and willingness to act. They do not stop at problem diagnosis; they internalize challenges and respond with clear, action-oriented guidance. This shift from advisor to owner marks a critical transition. Rather than being perceived as blockers, these lawyers become essential contributors to growth, able to see around corners while driving business outcomes.

To operate at this level, Dunlop says, legal leaders must understand how their company generates revenue. By mapping revenue streams and product risk, they can better align legal strategy with business priorities. Simultaneously, they must earn trust and credibility with the C-suite, forging relationships that grant them a seat at the decision-making table. Cultural change is also vital: fostering a team mindset that encourages junior lawyers to solve problems, not just spot them.

High-agency leaders track their impact, often using tools like Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to measure the effectiveness of legal interventions. They also champion innovation, recognizing that new tools and approaches can elevate their strategic value, just as Excel did for accountants.

Cultivating high-agency leadership traits in your legal team is good business. The firms and leaders who embrace this mindset will not only protect value but also help create it.