In-House Tip: Build Strong Cross-Department Relationships

1 min • 02 Mar 25

"In-house lawyers who thrive aren’t just legal experts—they’re trusted partners across the business." – Matthew Glynn (Managing Director, GLS Group)

The Importance Of Building Strong Cross-Department Relationships

Success in-house isn’t just about legal expertise—it’s about collaboration. Are you seen as a partner or a gatekeeper?

Here’s why building strong cross-department relationships is essential:

◼️ Business Alignment: Strong relationships ensure legal advice is aligned with business objectives, making you an enabler, not an obstacle.

◼️ Trust and Credibility: Regular interaction builds trust, making colleagues more likely to seek your advice early, preventing legal headaches down the line.

◼️ Effective Communication: Understanding other departments’ challenges allows you to provide clearer, more practical legal guidance.

◼️ Faster Approvals: Positive relationships streamline approval processes, reducing friction and delays in key projects.

◼️ Collaborative Solutions: Working closely with teams fosters innovative, legally sound solutions that drive the business forward.

◼️ Crisis Management: In times of crisis, established relationships lead to faster, coordinated responses and better outcomes.

◼️ Enhanced Influence: Being well-connected across departments increases your influence within the organization.

◼️ Proactive Risk Management: Close ties help you identify and mitigate risks early, protecting the company’s interests.

◼️ Cultural Integration: Understanding company culture through cross-department interaction helps you provide more tailored legal support.

◼️ Career Advancement: Strong internal networks open doors to career growth and leadership opportunities.

If you want to elevate your in-house career—start building bridges.

Being a trusted partner isn’t about saying “yes” to everything; it’s about being approachable, solution-focused, and invested in the company’s success.

Remember: The best in-house lawyers are more than legal advisors—they’re integral business partners.

Here is how we can help – download our White Paper on a huge range of strategies that can help you build effective relationships with your internal clients.

Ready To Transform Your Legal Team?

Please check out the GLS solutions and know-how resources listed on the right side of this page – they might assist your legal team with the issues explored in this Blog.