Reality Check: Is In-House the Right Move for You?

Although scoring an in-house position may seem like the ultimate dream job for a lawyer, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. This is what you need to know before making the leap. 

There comes a time in most lawyers’ careers where the idea of moving from private practice to an in-house position starts to creep in. Attorneys at firms often daydream about those coveted in-house positions, free of the billable hour and high demands of multiple clients. It makes sense, and moving in-house can be a wonderful choice for many attorneys – but it’s important to take off any rose-colored glasses before pursuing these opportunities.

Consider the whole picture before making the leap into a new position. By going beyond hearsay and fully understanding the realities of in-house practice, you will be better positioned to make an informed decision. 

Here are four aspects of working as in-house counsel to consider:

One client vs. many clients

Contrary to life at a firm, an in-house position offers the perceived benefit of having only one client. This can be a refreshing change of pace given the inherent difficulties involved with managing multiple clients and even more cases. In-house counsel can stay focused on the mission and goals of the company that employs them, and enjoy the respite from the pressure of originating new business, which generally goes hand-in-hand with working in a law firm.

That said, an in-house attorney has a wide array of departments to interface and work with. This dynamic makes a lawyer’s reputation a key component to success. You need to be able to quickly respond to the various needs of those within the organization, and uphold positive working relationships with colleagues from a wide array of diverse backgrounds.

Work-life synergy          

This is one of the main reasons that lawyers go after in-house positions. By and large, it is more common for in-house lawyers to work steady, predictable hours, and maybe even enjoy longer and less-interrupted vacations. It should be understood, however, that this in-house perk does not come without its own set of high demands.

For example, since you are not physically working alongside your clients in law firms, you have a little bit of leeway to think through issues before replying. Private practice attorneys are called in on an as-needed basis. In-house counsel, on the other hand, is often expected to be available and accessible at all times. This means that in-house lawyers must be able to think on their feet and give actionable advice right away. Although this may be an exciting challenge for some, it can be disruptive for others. Therefore, it’s best to discuss these types of expectations during the interview process.

Subject matter expert vs. business expert

According to the 2016 ACC Law Department Management Report, the role of in-house legal departments is becoming progressively more strategic, which, in turn, creates an even wider distinction between private and in-house practice. Basically, general counsels need more than legal acumen and subject-matter expertise to be successful.

For example, in-house attorneys are regularly sought out by executives and leaders for input and guidance on much more than just legal matters. They are asked to weigh in on business decisions, operational and risk areas, and strategic planning initiatives. This makes it more important than ever for these attorneys to cultivate skills that translate their law expertise into corporate action.

It is also crucial that in-house lawyers provide actionable recommendations and solutions that make sense for the company, as opposed to identifying problems in isolation.

An aggressive job market for in-house lawyers

It is no secret that making a move in-house is more competitive than deciding to work for a firm. According to lawyer demographics research performed by the American Bar Association, there are well over one million lawyers in the United States and 75 percent of them are in private practice.

Do not let this discourage you. All things considered, there are in-house positions available for lawyers who are persistent and who fully understand the highs and lows associated with this lifestyle. Working with an executive search consultant will also help you get a leg up on the competition, as well as unearth those opportunities best aligned with your goals and skillset.

In any event, before starting your search for an in-house position, just be sure that you carefully consider if it will be the right job for you.

Carrington Legal Search is devoted to finding the ideal candidates for our clients’ recruitment needs. To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com