The Underappreciated Qualities to Look for in a Great In-House Lawyer
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Many corporate law departments transformed during a crisis year, and some attributes required of in-house lawyers are evolving to keep pace
The pandemic caused corporate law departments to adapt rapidly, and many workplace changes spurred by new company priorities will stick. Some analysts predict that the crisis could usher in dramatic shifts to a profession known for its respect for tradition.
As the economy recovers and in-house law departments recruit attorneys, employers are looking beyond a candidate’s resume at subtler qualities that may influence their decisions—even in a competitive labor market.
Disrupting some old hiring models
Corporate in-house legal departments have an ideal opportunity to adjust the way they select their teams, from the first-year recruit to a general counsel (GC).
It’s still true that prestigious law school graduates and those with top-tier law firm experience will draw the most attention from recruiters. But basing hiring decisions on a candidate’s functional expertise or educational credentials alone is not sufficient.
This is because the attributes that make someone a stand-out in-house lawyer are often innate and not always acquired during time spent at school, previous firms, or other corporate positions.
Here is an updated shortlist of attributes that have become particularly valuable after a crisis year:
Resilience and tenacity: This person demonstrates a special combination of flexibility and perseverance. They are a problem solver; someone who is creative and able to find opportunity when others see dead ends. They work well under quickly changing circumstances as well as pressure, adapt well to new approaches and technologies, and can pick themselves up from defeat to fight again.
Sound, crisis-proven judgment: Top-tier lawyers are decisive. They cut through clutter with a streamlined approach to decision-making, especially under pressure. They frame their decisions within the context of what's good business for the company they represent. Being able to handle a diverse number of highly complex, mission-critical, and sensitive matters quickly are skills that separate good lawyers from great ones.
Strategic yet compassionate leadership: Particularly in a time of crisis, the office of the GC is leaned on to provide strategic direction for the company. The best in-house lawyers advise with integrity, providing sound direction that shields the company from risk. This person also knows how to command a room and naturally motivate team members. They are not afraid of leading with empathy and compassion and understand that those are precisely the qualities team members need.
Executive presence and expertise: Effective communication skills are necessary for lawyers at all career levels, but this trait has unique value in a corporate environment. Confident speakers who interact well with a diverse group of people—with wide-ranging company roles and responsibilities—earn respect throughout the organization. And this competence engenders trust, which is critical to being an effective counselor.
Cultural astuteness: Today’s rapid societal changes have made it imperative for organizations to revisit many of their policies. In-house legal teams can support improved diversity and inclusion by recruiting candidates who look more like the population their company serves while sharing the organization’s cultural values.
If your company is considering candidates for in-house counsel, do your best to screen for more than an excellent education and an impressive work history. Also, look for resiliency, cultural fitness, communication skills, sound judgment, and adaptability.
Screening for these traits helps build a quality legal team that can meet the toughest challenges.
Carrington Legal Search is celebrating 20 years in business: we were in the trenches with our clients during 9/11 and 2008. We partner with our clients to identify leaders and mission-critical talent to shore up and grow companies even during the most challenging times. We are here for you! To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com.