When you think of leadership, adaptability, and personal growth, The Lion King might not immediately come to mind. However, our Senior Legal Counsel, Alice, recently watched the 1994 film for the first time (late to the party, we know!) and it occurred to her that it illustrates qualities every in-house lawyer needs to succeed. Using the iconic characters from Pride Rock, Alice explores these timeless principles.

Act with honesty and integrity: be a Simba

In-house lawyers, like Simba, must navigate complex roles with honesty and integrity. Simba’s journey from a guilt-ridden cub to a confident king reflects the importance of staying true to one’s values. As Simba learns, doing the right thing – even in challenging situations – requires moral and personal courage.

As an in-house lawyer, this means understanding your core values and balancing business goals with ethical responsibilities. When faced with tough decisions, summon your inner Simba and remember who you are and what you stand for. Regular self-reflection, as Simba experienced at the guidance of Rafiki, helps you stay grounded in moments of doubt. As we start 2025, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on what matters to you as an individual and an in-house lawyer.

Ask plenty of questions: channel Timon and Pumbaa’s curiosity

Timon and Pumbaa are masters of asking questions, albeit in their own quirky way. “What’s a motto?” may not sound like a legal-savvy question, but their curiosity mirrors the inquisitiveness necessary for in-house lawyers.

Asking the right questions—like “What is the business goal here?” or “Why is this urgent?”—can lead to clarity and better decision-making. Don’t hesitate to speak up, whether it’s to understand priorities or ensure your advice aligns with the company’s broader objectives. A little curiosity, like that of our carefree duo, can foster stronger relationships and ultimately help solve the right ‘problem’.

Be adaptable: learn from Scar’s strategic (but flawed) thinking

Scar’s adaptability is often sinister, but his ability to read a room and tailor his message to his audience is worth noting. As an in-house lawyer, adapting your communication style to different stakeholders is critical.

Scar’s downfall, however, lies in his lack of balance. Effective leaders, like Simba, zoom in on specifics when needed but also zoom out to consider the bigger picture. Stay informed and anticipate challenges – read widely (check out our legal update blogs and the Watering Hole), understand global trends, and maintain a fluid mindset to pivot when needed. Adaptability will help you stay ahead, unlike Scar, who couldn’t maintain his grip on power.

Develop an operating rhythm: embrace Mufasa’s structure

Mufasa’s leadership is a masterclass in maintaining balance and control. He leads the Pride Lands with a clear routine and ensures his kingdom thrives by focusing on the circle of life. Similarly, in-house lawyers must establish an operating rhythm to manage their growing responsibilities.

Try to start each week with a clear plan: prioritise emails, prepare for meetings, and dedicate time to forward-thinking tasks. As Mufasa advises Simba, focus on what you can control (inputs) rather than being overly consumed by outcomes (outputs). Your preparation and consistency will set the tone for your success.

Lead and manage with purpose: be the leader your team needs

Leadership isn’t about commanding like Scar - it’s about inspiring like Mufasa. As an in-house lawyer leading a team, your role is to coach and support, helping colleagues grow into their best selves.

Encourage autonomy and purpose, much like how Mufasa empowers Simba to understand his future role. Regular conversations about goals and barriers can uplift your team and improve overall effectiveness. And remember, basic good manners and respect – like Mufasa’s warmth and humour – go a long way in building trust and cohesion.

Understand purpose, philosophy, and process: find your Rafiki

Rafiki, with his wise guidance, embodies the importance of understanding purpose, philosophy, and process. He helps Simba see the bigger picture – what it means to lead with clarity and align actions with values.

For in-house lawyers, this means knowing your organisation’s purpose and how it operates. Dive into the business’s core deliverables, statutory obligations, and decision-making processes. This understanding helps ensure your advice aligns with the company’s vision, just as Rafiki’s wisdom aligns Simba with his destiny.

Get to know the business: listen to Zazu

Zazu may be Pride Rock’s “uptight” major-domo, but his deep knowledge of the kingdom is invaluable. Similarly, in-house lawyers should strive to become trusted advisers by understanding the intricacies of their organisation.

Speak to colleagues across all levels – whether it’s the CEO or the operational staff – to gain diverse perspectives. These insights can help you tailor your advice to the organisation’s specific needs, just as Zazu’s observations provide context for Mufasa’s decisions.

Make the most of networking opportunities: Hakuna Matata, but be strategic

Timon and Pumbaa’s philosophy of “Hakuna Matata” reminds us that building relationships doesn’t have to be stressful. Networking, both internally and externally, is a vital part of an in-house lawyer’s role.

Introduce yourself at events, connect with colleagues across departments, and foster trust. Like Simba reuniting with old friends to reclaim the throne, these connections can open doors and create opportunities that shape your career. It will also make your day-to-day job easier!  

Assert yourself: don’t be afraid to step into the light

Simba’s reluctance to claim his rightful place as king is a lesson in self-assertion. As an in-house lawyer, you may not always be the decision-maker, but your presence in key meetings is crucial.

Push yourself to be where decisions are made. If excluded, take initiative and articulate the value you bring. Like Simba stepping forward to face Scar, asserting yourself ensures your voice is heard when it matters most.  

Operational efficiency: manage resources like Pride Rock

Finally, the Pride Lands’ success hinges on balance and efficient resource management. In the same way, an in-house legal team’s effectiveness depends on streamlined processes and clear priorities.

Implement tools like knowledge management systems and triage requests to avoid being overwhelmed. By refining your team’s workflows, you’ll create more time to focus on strategic tasks, just as Simba restores order to the Pride Lands. In 2025, incorporating AI should be on your list (we have a series on AI planned – watch this space!).

Can you feel the love tonight

Personal effectiveness is at the heart of success, whether you’re leading a kingdom like Simba or navigating the corporate world as an in-house lawyer. By acting with integrity, staying adaptable, and fostering meaningful relationships, you can make a positive impact. The characters of The Lion King remind us that with courage, curiosity, and a sense of purpose, we can overcome challenges and lead with confidence.