University of South Australia
Lawyering & Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
What is leadership?
Leadership and Law School
Lawyers as Leaders
Exploration of the concept of leadership.
Examples of renowned leaders:
Nelson Mandela
Martin Luther King Jr.
Leadership as a process where an individual influences a group to achieve a common goal.
Characteristics of effective leadership:
Relational and socially interactive.
Effective leaders have influence over others.
Leadership:
Ability to influence others toward a common objective without formal authority.
Management:
Process of getting things done through planning, organizing, and coordinating efforts.
Key Aspects of Leadership:
Authenticity, Vision, Achievement, Ownership, Collaboration
Authenticity: Being true to oneself.
Vision: Having a clear idea of the desired future state.
Achievement: Reaching goals successfully.
Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's actions.
Collaboration: Working with others for mutual success.
Additional competencies:
Self-awareness, Ethics, Leading Change, Integrity, Building Trust, etc.
Leadership is not simply:
A position or title.
About having power to enforce actions.
Determined by being loud or having a platform.
Connection between legal education and leadership development.
Importance of training to make an impact from the very start.
Learning law is foundational for community leadership.
Development of future law heroes.
The personal journey to leadership within the legal profession.
Essential traits for budding leaders:
Self-confidence: Believing in oneself.
Integrity: Upholding strong moral principles.
Sociability: Collaborating effectively with peers.
Focus on:
Pro bono work: Commitment to service and justice.
Justice: Upholding fairness in the legal system.
Fit and Proper Person standard: Ethical considerations in legal practice.
University of South Australia