From firefighting to force multiplier: Proving your worth as in-house counsel

We know the drill. You’re spinning plates, fielding urgent asks, jumping between contracts, risk reviews, and internal advice – all while trying to stay commercial, strategic, and sane.

But here’s the catch: just being busy isn’t enough.

Unlike private practice, there’s no hourly rate or neat fee summary to point to. Proving your value in-house means going beyond firefighting and showing how you help the business move forward.

So how do you do it?

1. Let’s retire “I’m just really busy”

Time spent doesn’t equal value delivered. In fact, being overloaded is often a red flag – not a reason for a raise.

The real test? Whether you’re solving the right problems. Start asking: Is this aligned with what the business actually needs?

2. Think like a business partner, not a legal island

Legal teams that operate in a vacuum risk becoming internal helplines – reactive, overstretched, and disconnected from strategic goals.

Flip it.

Talk to your stakeholders. Find out what’s keeping them up at night. A stalled product launch? A risky supplier contract? Regulatory heat?

Once you know what matters to them, you can start showing up where it counts – not just where the legal work lands.

3. Say no (without being the “no” team)

We get it – pushing back is hard. But if you’re swamped with low-impact tasks, you’re not adding value, you’re diluting it.

Use data to make your case. Time tracking (yes, we said it) isn’t about micromanagement – it’s about visibility. If 40% of your team’s time is spent reviewing NDAs or fielding repeat questions, ask: Is this what you want us to focus on?

Often, the answer is no – and that’s your cue to:

• Introduce templates or playbooks.
• Set up FAQs or self-service tools.
• Bring in paralegal support.
• Automate the grunt work.

Less noise = more space for strategic thinking.

4. Track your impact – even if it’s imperfect

Metrics don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. The right data points can completely shift how the business sees your team.

Here’s a starting point:

• People: Are your team engaged, supported, and equipped?
• Stakeholders: What do your internal clients actually think about legal?
• Processes: How efficiently does work move through the team?
• Financials: Where have you reduced spend, saved costs, or added commercial value?

Top tip: buddy up with your finance team. They can help you quantify your wins – whether it’s 20% of a claim avoided or time saved on an improved workflow.

5. Don’t assume people understand your value – show them

Legal can feel like the final sign-off, the risk police, the necessary evil. That won’t change unless you actively change it.

Step into strategic spaces. Join early-stage planning conversations. Get involved before the contract lands in your lap.

Because once the business sees you enabling growth – not blocking it – the conversation shifts. You’re not overhead. You’re essential.

6. Start with a conversation

If you want to prove your worth, start by asking the right questions:

• What are your biggest priorities this quarter?
• Where do you think legal could be more useful?
• How can we make things smoother or faster?

Final thoughts

Proving your value as an in-house lawyer isn’t about shouting the loudest or logging the most hours. It’s about showing the business that legal isn’t just there to sign things off or say no – it’s there to drive things forward. That means focusing on what matters, tracking your impact, and having the confidence to step into the spotlight. 

When you align your work with the business’s goals and make your impact visible, you stop being “just legal” – and start being seen as a strategic force to be reckoned with.

Clarity, curiosity, and a focus on impact – that’s what turns legal from reactive to indispensable.