Lean In, Link Up: The Young Lawyer’s Guide to Leadership

By Alex Gwynn

Back on September 13, 2025, I found myself in a lively conversation with community leaders in Durham at a Meet and Greet with the City of Durham’s Human Relations Commission (DHRC). We were deep in discussion about the Commission’s priorities, affordable housing advocacy, environmental justice, public safety, community engagement and improving race and ethnic relations.

As we talked about how the Commission could better collaborate with local organizations and leaders already doing this work, one community leader paused, looked at me and said, “What you’re doing is leaning in.”

I stopped.

I laughed quietly.

And I thought: lean in? Isn’t this just cross-collaboration? Maybe even coalition building?

But the phrase stuck with me.

What Does It Mean to “Lean In” as a Law Student or Young Lawyer?

In reflecting on that moment, I started thinking about what “leaning in” really means for leadership development, especially for law students and young lawyers.

Cambridge Dictionary defines the phrase “lean in” as: “to become very involved or make a big effort, especially in order to make progress and be considered important at work.”

Sheryl Sandberg’s 2013 book “Lean In” adds another layer to this definition, emphasizing confidently stepping forward, taking up space, actively engaging in leadership opportunities and challenging both internal and external barriers.

But for us, for young lawyers, law students, and early-career professionals, leaning in isn’t about being the loudest in the room or the busiest on the committee.

Leaning in is a choice — it’s about being present, purposeful and connected.

As We Close Out 2025 and Look Toward 2026, Ask Yourself:

How Will You Lean In?

How will you move forward with intention?
How will you claim your space?
How will you seek out meaningful engagement where your presence matters?
Because leaning in can look different for each of us.

For Law Students and Young Lawyers, Leaning in Can Be:

1. Breaking Silos Through Cross Collaboration

It’s easy to operate in isolation, law school sections, practice groups and committees. Leaning in means building bridges and inviting others in.

2. Encouraging Intentionality

Ask “why” before you ask “how.” Purpose should guide action, not the other way around.

3. Calling Out Issues — Professionally

Leaders don’t ignore problems. They name them respectfully and then help drive solutions.

4. Leveraging Your Network

Use your relationships as tools for access, mentorship, service and growth. Help open doors for others while you’re walking through your own.

Here’s the Secret: There Is No Prerequisite for Leaning In

Leadership is not positional.
Leadership is not a title.
Leadership is not a competition.

You do not need permission to start.
You do not need experience to show up, and you can show up even with braces.
You do not need a role to make an impact.
You simply need to move with purpose and begin.

As we reflect on this year and prepare for the next, I encourage all law students and young lawyers to lean in and link up.

What strengths come naturally to you?
Where can your skill set support the NCBA Young Lawyers Division and other groups that you’re a part of?
How can you collaborate more intentionally within your community or your organization?

Your leadership journey starts where you are, with what you already have and with a willingness to show up on purpose.

Happy holidays, and here’s to a meaningful, connected and purpose-filled 2026.

Alex Gwynn serves as the NCBA YLD Civic Engagement & Pro Bono Division Director.