Legal teams are often seen as the ones who say “no”—the gatekeepers who slow down big ideas. But great legal leadership isn’t about shutting things down; it’s about making things possible while managing risk. That’s why shifting from “No, we can’t” to “Yes, if we…” is such a powerful approach.
Turning ‘No’ Into ‘Yes, If We…’
Imagine this scenario: Your marketing team wants to run a side-by-side ad comparing your product to a competitor’s. The risks are obvious—potential claims of false advertising, trademark misuse, brand confusion. A typical legal response might be:
“No, that could get us into trouble.”
But what if, instead, you responded with:
“Yes, if we use factual comparisons and avoid misusing their logo.”
“Yes, if we adjust the phrasing to ensure it’s accurate and non-misleading.”
“Yes, if we use a neutral color scheme to steer clear of brand confusion.”
This approach doesn’t just protect the company—it fosters collaboration, encourages innovation, and positions legal as a strategic partner rather than an obstacle.
Why This Mindset Matters
Taking a “Yes, if we…” approach builds trust and transforms how legal teams operate within an organization. When you focus on solutions instead of just risks, a few key things happen:
- Teams start bringing legal in earlier, knowing you’ll help them navigate challenges instead of blocking ideas.
- Innovation moves forward with legal’s guidance, rather than in spite of it.
- Legal becomes an essential part of the company’s strategy, not just a back-end compliance function.
How to Make the Shift
Developing a “Yes, if we…” mindset takes practice, but here are a few ways to get started:
- Listen fully before jumping to risks. Take the time to understand what the team is trying to achieve before identifying legal concerns.
- Pinpoint the specific issues. Not every risk is a dealbreaker—be clear about what the actual concerns are.
- Offer creative solutions. Instead of just flagging problems, work with the team to find a legally sound way forward.
What’s Your ‘Yes, If We…’ Moment?
Have you ever turned a hard “no” into a strategic “yes”? Maybe you helped your company launch a bold campaign, navigate a tricky contract, or implement a new tech solution.
These are the moments that define great in-house legal leadership. What’s one time you found a way to make something work?