Are you one of the too many brilliant, talented, hard-working In-House Lawyers who feel like they’re drowning, exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure how much longer you can keep going?
Or maybe you feel invisible, and are desperate for someone to notice all the hard work and would love to learn how to get others to see what you can bring...
Or have got to a place where you started to question your ability and whether you are in the right career?
Maybe you are really keen to jump up the ladder or get that role you know you deserve but you don't have the time to think, the confidence or know how to go about it.
Maybe you are already at the top of the In-House Legal Team and you don't have the time or confidence to do the things you need to - to get the attention of the executive or what you need from them..
If you identify with any part of these challenges... you are in the right place.
These are just some of the challenges I help In-House Lawyers overcome—using...
Helping you... Believe in You. Own your Mindset. Lead with Influence. Deliver Strategy
The result? A strategic driving force within you—fueling how you lead in your career, over your work, with your stakeholders and at the top table...
RECENT CLIENTS
Working with General Counsels' and Legal Leaders to build a strategic and impactful In-House Function.
Working with Aspiring Leaders to Unlock their Challenges to Gain Leadership...
and Unlocking
AS FEATURED IN...
Hello I am Donna...
A former Solicitor - A Specialist Leadership Coach & Strategist for In-House Leaders & Teams - Career Coach for In-House Lawyers
Hi, I’m Donna McGrath — a former solicitor of 16 years and now the UK’s only accredited Leadership Coach & Mentor dedicated to In-House Lawyers.
I lead the only Accredited Leadership Programme designed specifically for In-House Lawyers — helping them build the leadership skills and business strategies that law school never taught, but the role constantly demands.
I work with ambitious but overstretched General Counsels and legal teams who want to raise their impact, reclaim control, and secure a real seat at the table — without burning out. Together, we teach the business the true value In-House Lawyers bring.
I also support lawyers who feel stuck, bored, or undervalued — lawyers who want more from their careers but aren’t sure how to move forward. Whether they crave leadership, growth, or something they can’t yet put into words, we get to the root of what drives them — and reignite their sense of purpose.
My approach is grounded in psychology and deep personal transformation. I offer tailored 1:1 coaching using the Accredited In-House Lawyers Leadership Framework — a proven system for sustainable growth, confidence, and influence. I also work directly with GCs and their teams to build the mindset, strategy, and structure for long-term success.
General Counsels, businesses, and in-house lawyers invest in me because I provide a clear, accredited path to sustainable leadership — especially when they don’t have the time, support, or internal resources to do it alone.
My mission is to help in-house lawyers thrive — by building the leadership skills, confidence, and strategic mindset law school has never taught. I show them how to lead with purpose, protect their wellbeing, and prove their value without burning out.
Learn more about how I work below...
If you are an Ambitious / Overstretched In-House Lawyer who is ...
Bored, Unhappy, Undervalued... in your role, career.
Confused... on the right next step for you.
Tired... working long hours and balancing demands.
Overlooked... for opportunities.
Low Confidence... questioning if you are good enough.
Not in Control... of your career, the executive, stakeholders or the work.
And would like to
Get to Leadership or
Have greater success in your career (whatever that looks like for you), or
Overcome the challenges of the In-House Legal Role to simply have a more balanced life...??
Then you are in the right place...
Janis Acosta - GC
"What sets Donna apart is her ability to synthesize high-level strategy into clear, actionable plans, positioning legal teams as strategic leaders within the organization. With a strong focus on people management and performance optimization, she ensures teams stay focused and productive..."
Peter Ho - GC
"Donna's Leadership Program significantly impacted my professional journey. Winning the GC of the Year 2024 award, “The Lawyer,” was an honor I attribute largely to Donna's transformative coaching."
Peter Ho - GC
"Donna's Leadership Program significantly impacted my professional journey. Winning the GC of the Year 2024 award, “The Lawyer,” was an honor I attribute largely to Donna's transformative coaching."
Miia - CLO
The tailored approach of the B.O.L.D Framework, enabled me to take back control over my wellbeing and mindset. I was in responsive mode, afraid to push back. And I learnt to take more authority over what I and the IHL function needed. We developed and aligned my team’s purpose with the business's needs, driving added value and demonstrating Legal’s impact at the executive level. Donna’s experience with FTSE companies and her tools have been invaluable in helping me think strategically, manage legal priorities, and enhance relationships within the organization.
THE BOLD FRAMEWORK - PROGRAMMES TO TAKE CONTROL AND BECOME STRATEGIC DRIVING FORCE OVER YOUR CAREER, IN YOUR WORK AND AT THE TOP TABLE
My B.O.L.D Framework is applied in my Coaching & Leadership Programmes designed to support you at every stage of your In-House legal career.
Whether you're feeling stuck seeking the right role, wanting to unlock your leadership potential or making a bigger impact, commanding a greater presence at the top table or simply looking to overcome the challenges of the role to regain freedom and time for what truly matters to you.
You will not just be taken through your current issues, but you will learn leadership, business, mindset skills & strategies to apply now and in your future.
I believe in helping you through NOW and giving you a framework that you can apply in the future.
Strategies, Processes and Systems that have been approved by the IAPC&M as reaching the highest standard of quality across the Industry to unlock leadership within legal functions and to give clarity to lawyers in their careers.
Strategies that can be applied in the future... no need for coaching on this (or to spend loads of money ever again).
B.O.L.D Clarity Programme
Clarity on what you want.
Learn the process of "how to identify" what is right for you when feeling stuck.
Build your confidence & strategy to get the role you deserve.
Learn How to Sell / Position Yourself to your boss, stakeholders, in CV & Interview
Signature (Certified) - In-House Legal Leadership Programme
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
Develop Leadership, Business, Mindset Skills & Strategies to demonstrate your value
Command a Seat at the Top Table
Enhance Your Impact
Get Back Time to Focus on YOU.
Leadership & Team Consulting
Build Leadership and Develop your In-House Legal Team
Reshape Your Strategy for Greater Im pact and Value
Develop Your KPI's and Framework for Implementation Success
Training - Workshops - Coaching on essential In-House Legal Business, Mindset, Leadership Skills
Unsure Which Programme is For You?
Gain Complimentary Access to All Things In-House Network
Welcome to the space where in-house lawyers go to lead — with strategy, influence, and edge.
What you get:
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💼 Lunch & Learns that cut through the noise — sharp insights, zero fluff
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🧠 Leadership Masterclasses with experts who’ve walked the walk
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📈 B.O.L.D. Framework in action — real stories, real results
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🔍 Curated intel from across the legal and business landscape
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💬 High-level conversations that elevate how you show up
This isn’t just access — it’s an advantage.
If you're done playing small and ready to lead with impact, you're in the right place.
📩 Join BELOW
WHY CHOOSE ME...
I’ve been there. I’ve faced the challenges, worn the T-shirt, and overcame the hurdles.
I've been there—facing the demands, the overwhelm, the late nights. I know what it's like to feel out of control, tired, and confused in your career.
With 20 years in the legal industry—spanning Private Practice, FTSE 100-250 In-House roles, and Head of Legal positions—I understand the challenges firsthand.
Due to my background in business, investing in my leadership and qualifying as a Leadership Coach through IAPC&M MasterCoach, I was able to overcome my challenges.
I have combined my business acumen, teaching skills (on LPC), leadership, coaching & mentoring. I developed the In-House Lawyers Leadership Programme—the only "Accredited Programme" of its kind.
Learn more about me...
The results? Speak for themselves - See Testimonials Below
Testimonials
Don't just take my word for it. See what my clients have to say...
Peter Ho - Tyman Plc.- General Counsel October 2023 - 2024
"Donna's ability to make me look inside and analyse my thinking, my emotions & my responses were all tied up in unhelpful identity issues, which were holding me back from showing up effectively at an executive level. With some deep transformational work and undertaking self-assessments, I realised I needed to learn to be more strategic to get the resources needed for my Team. Donna helped me release control and build the strategic skills to approach my executives with confidence.
Donna's framework allowed me to realise unhelpful patterns but also to realize my value and then to gain the confidence to get it. Her understanding of my faith has helped me feel understood and grow into an impactful leader. A key step to me becoming GC of the Year in 2024 ( The Lawyer)
James Green - Innova Ltd - Head of Property Legal Jan 2024
"Donna's ability to challenge assumptions and reframe beliefs is a standout feature of the programme. This approach, coupled with her wealth of experience and perceptive insights, has been instrumental in breaking through barriers and unlocking new levels of strategic thinking. The balance between support and firm guidance has been a key factor in my personal breakthroughs.
If you are an in-house lawyer seeking a transformative leadership programme, I cannot recommend Donna’s programme enough. The programme has exceeded my expectations and has been a tremendously valuable investment in personal and professional growth."
Vicky Shaw - Wirral Council - Head of Legal Services Jan 2024
"Donna's approach went beyond conventional coaching methods. She equipped me with invaluable skills to navigate challenges with grace and assertiveness. Through her adept use of active listening, insightful questioning, and targeted feedback, Donna helped me enhance my communication effectiveness and emotional resilience. I wholeheartedly endorse Donna's coaching services to fellow legal professionals and organisational leaders seeking transformative growth and development."
TESTIMONIALS
Don't just take my word for it. See what my clients have to say...
"Donna's experience of working In-House, her strategic thinking and structured programme the ILLP have been key to my success. Also, her experience as a coach and personality helped me address my challenges directly and to take 100% responsibility for where I am.
Donna's insight into what makes me tick and her understanding of my faith has helped me feel understood and grow into an impactful leader."
Peter Ho
Tyman Plc.- General Counsel October 2023
"Donna's ability to challenge assumptions and reframe beliefs is a standout feature of the programme. This approach, coupled with her wealth of experience and perceptive insights, has been instrumental in breaking through barriers and unlocking new levels of strategic thinking. The balance between support and firm guidance has been a key factor in my personal breakthroughs.
If you are an in-house lawyer seeking a transformative leadership programme, I cannot recommend Donna’s programme enough. The programme has exceeded my expectations and has been a tremendously valuable investment in personal and professional growth."
James Green
Innova Ltd - Head of Property Legal Jan 2024
" The In-House Lawyers Leadership Programme (ILLP) has transformed my leadership and influencing abilities. Initially feeling lost and disengaged, Donna's coaching provided me with the clarity, confidence, and tools to redefine my role. Her guidance improved my communication, emotional resilience, and relationships, helping me approach my work with renewed purpose. I now experience greater professional satisfaction, a healthier work-life balance, and stronger connections with colleagues, all of which have enhanced my leadership effectiveness. I’m confident these skills will continue to drive my growth and success. "."
Vicki Shaw
Wirral Council - Head of Legal Services Jan 2024
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