10 Leadership Books Every Lawyer Should Read

An important part of every lawyer’s leadership journey is developing a genuine love of learning.

Leadership isn’t something you “arrive at” once you get the title. It’s a practice. And one of the most powerful ways lawyers grow into confident, effective leaders is by learning from those who have gone before us.

Leadership books expose us to new ideas, different perspectives, and proven frameworks for thinking, behaving, and leading more intentionally. They prompt reflection. They challenge old assumptions. And, when chosen well, they give us practical tools we can apply immediately, in conversations, decisions, and how we show up every day.

Over the years as a former legal partner, leadership facilitator, and founder of The Legal Leadership Project. These books have shaped how I lead, coach, and work with lawyers stepping into leadership roles.

Here are my top 10 leadership books every lawyer should read, along with my biggest takeaway from each.

1. Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek

Big takeaway: Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge.

Sinek beautifully articulates why trust, safety, and belonging are not “soft” leadership concepts, but essential ones. The best legal leaders create environments where people feel protected, valued, and supported — especially under pressure.

If your team feels safe, they’ll take responsibility, speak up, and perform at their best.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey

Big takeaway: Leadership starts with personal responsibility and intentional choice.

I might be biased with this one and proudly so. I’ve spent the last 20 years facilitating the two-day 7 Habits program, and I can honestly say it has been life-changing for me and for thousands of leaders I’ve worked with.

Covey’s work is timeless. Habit 1 alone Be Proactive, fundamentally shifts how lawyers respond to pressure, conflict, and challenge. This book reminds us that leadership begins with character, not competence alone.

If you read one leadership book properly (not just skimmed), make it this one.

3. The Art of War — Sun Tzu

Big takeaway: Strategy beats strength every time.

This was given to me by my legal partner early in my career, and it stayed with me. While often associated with competition, the deeper lesson is about awareness, preparation, and adaptability.

Great leaders understand the landscape, anticipate risks, and choose their battles wisely, especially in high-stakes legal environments.

4. Drive — Daniel H. Pink

Big takeaway: You can’t motivate people with carrots and sticks.

Pink’s research confirms what many leaders sense intuitively: real motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. This is especially relevant for lawyers, who value independence and meaning in their work.

If you want engaged, high-performing teams, stop trying to motivate and start designing environments where motivation can thrive.

5. Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman

Big takeaway: How you lead is as important as what you know.

Technical brilliance will only take legal leaders so far. Goleman makes it clear that self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and relationship management are critical leadership skills, not optional extras.

In law, where pressure is high and emotions often run hot, emotional intelligence is a genuine competitive advantage.

6. Good to Great — Jim Collins

Big takeaway: Sustainable excellence is built through discipline and consistency.

This book dismantles the myth of the heroic, charismatic leader. Instead, Collins highlights the power of quiet, disciplined leadership and a relentless focus on what truly matters.

For law firms, the message is clear: culture, systems, and consistent standards outperform short-term wins every time.

7. Multipliers — Liz Wiseman

Big takeaway: The best leaders make everyone around them smarter.

This is one of the most practical leadership books I recommend. Wiseman shows the difference between leaders who drain capability and those who multiply it.

If you want high-performing legal teams, stop being the smartest person in the room and start creating space for others to think, contribute, and grow.

8. Crucial Conversations — Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler

Big takeaway: Avoiding tough conversations costs more than having them.

This book is gold for lawyers. It provides practical tools for handling difficult, high-stakes conversations with clarity, respect, and confidence.

Strong leaders don’t shy away from discomfort, they know how to stay calm, curious, and constructive when it matters most.

9. Lawyers as Leaders — Deborah Rhode

Big takeaway: Lawyers have both the skills and responsibility to lead beyond the law.

Rhode challenges lawyers to think more broadly about leadership, not just within firms, but across business, government, and society.

It’s a powerful reminder that the legal profession has enormous influence, and with that comes a responsibility to lead ethically and courageously.

10. Great Lawyer to Great Leader — Midja Fisher

Yes, that’s me!

Big takeaway: Leadership is a learned skill, not a personality trait.

This book is written specifically for lawyers stepping into leadership roles, often without training, clarity, or support. I share practical frameworks, real stories from legal practice, and step-by-step guidance to help lawyers lead with confidence, influence, and authenticity.

It’s the book I wish I had when I first became a partner.

Happy reading, legal leaders.
And remember, reading is just the beginning. Leadership comes to life when you apply what you learn, one conversation and one decision at a time.

Are you a great lawyer, but not a great leader? We can help.