Whilst working in legal recruitment, my colleagues and I are frequently approached by lawyers at varying levels of experience who are considering moving in-house from their current roles in law firms.
In-house work is attractive because it generally offers more variety than a role in private practice. These enquiries often come from lawyers who have become disenchanted with their current positions, are drawn to the diversity of in-house work, and are eager to leave behind the days of billable hours. Typically, they ask about advertised roles and how private practice lawyers can make themselves more appealing to potential in-house employers.
My first piece of advice is to be sure that you genuinely want to move in-house.
Can you and your family afford to take that step?
An in-house (IH) career can be financially rewarding, but statistically, law firm careers tend to offer higher salaries.
Are you sure that you’re the right fit for in-house work?
Yes, the roles may be more varied, but you’ll also be expected to provide firm advice, guide CEOs on the likely outcomes of business decisions, and work with non-lawyers who expect you to be both the legal safeguard they need and not the “deal-killer” they fear. Can you strike that balance?
If you’re confident that an IH career is for you, then plan your move carefully.
Is your specialism in demand in in-house roles?
If it is, that’s a great start. Focus on that specialism when applying for roles. For example, if you specialise in Real Estate, you’re far more likely to land your first IH position in a company seeking that expertise. That may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many lawyers apply for roles with little or no relevant experience.
Don’t worry if you’re seeking a change from your current practice area. Once you’re in-house, your career may naturally evolve away from your original specialism and could even lead to senior, non-legal roles in time.
If your specialism doesn’t translate easily into in-house work, consider what transferable skills you can highlight. For instance, IH teams rarely employ full-time litigators unless they’re very large, so litigators often find it difficult to transition. However, litigators are typically highly commercial, they have spent their careers addressing issues that arise from weak contracts and relationship breakdowns.
Start thinking like an in-house lawyer and identify where you may need to develop.
How closely are you working with your clients?
Working closely with law firm clients gives you valuable insight into how they operate. Why not offer to visit and see how a client’s legal team works? If they don’t have an IH team, even better! Ask your contact for the opportunity to observe where you could add value.
Have you considered a secondment?
There’s no better way to understand how an IH team functions than by joining one temporarily. Secondments look excellent on CVs and can set you apart from other private practice candidates. Proceed thoughtfully, though, your partner may question your long-term commitment to the firm. But even if they do, is that necessarily a bad thing? They might ultimately support your move to one of your clients.
Are you working with clients in a particular industry sector?
Take the example of technology: if you already work with clients in this field and find it fascinating, start documenting what you do for them. Include this experience on your CV and be ready to discuss it in interviews.
If you’re not currently working within a sector that interests you, start building relationships and gaining exposure there. Use your business development skills to make contacts and get involved with clients in that space.
A career in-house can be highly rewarding. The points above are just a few examples of how to position yourself for a successful transition.
Considering a Move In-House? Feel free to reach out for a confidential discussion.