I see so much bad career advice. Here’s a tip by a Stanford Graduate School of Business professor that in-house lawyers should NOT follow: “If a meeting is wasting your time, leave.” He says he does this at least once a week when he’s not needed and the time could be better spent doing something else. “Just smile and say ‘I’ve got something to get to.’”

That sounds like a power move but does not work for lawyers. You probably went in-house to develop deeper relations with your clients and to help them avoid fires. The whole purpose is to be included in meetings so you are not iced out of decisions.

If your schedule is wall-to-wall pointless meetings, then start prioritizing and delegating. But don’t just walk out and say you have something else to do!