In-house Placement
Many lawyers consider leaving the law firm environment to join an in-house legal team. Some have an incomplete understanding of the realities of in-house practice and how to land that coveted role. The practice of law within a corporate legal department differs from that in a law firm in key respects resulting in a different “ideal candidate” profile; therefore, the in-house interviewing process also varies from that of most law firms.
We can help you understand:
1. The myths and realities of in-house vis-a-vis law firm practice.
2. How the “ideal candidate” profile for an in-house counsel differs from that for a law firm lawyer and why.
3. How to present law firm practice experience to best appeal to in-house hiring authorities.
4. Where to source in-house counsel job leads.
5. What to expect and how to succeed in in-house counsel job interviews.
6. How to navigate roadblocks in the in-house counsel career path.
In this increasingly mobile legal marketplace, many lawyers will move from law firms to in-house positions and, perhaps, back again. To make these moves add up to a successful long-term career, at each step candidates must realistically assess the pros and cons of in-house versus law firm practice, evaluate their hard and soft skills in relation to what prospective employers seek, conduct a well thought out and thorough job search, and thoughtfully communicate how their particular backgrounds can make a valuable contribution to new organization.
We can help you succeed.
Blog Articles Regarding In-House Counsel
Where Do I look for In-House Job Leads?
Just as with most career transitions in any market sector, a large percentage of in-house lawyer moves are accomplished through networking and personal referrals. While in-house hopefuls should actively network, they should not overlook other sources for possible job leads. Outside Counsel General counsel typically hire other in-house lawyers…
SECONDMENTS: Win/Win/Win
Secondment; si-kond-muhnt Noun, British, The transfer of a military officer or corporate executive to another post for temporary duty In the legal marketplace, secondment is the loan by a law firm of one of their lawyers to a corporate entity in need of in-house expertise on a limited basis. The…
The In-house Interview
Because the ideal in-house candidate differs from the ideal law firm candidate, the interview differs, as well. Candidates must take these differences into consideration to make a successful leap in-house from the law firm environment. Preparation Preparation is essential for any job interview. Before interviewing for an in-house legal…
The Ideal In-House Candidate
The ideal candidate for an in-house legal department is somewhat different than for a law firm. Although good legal skills are mandatory, a successful in-house lawyer possesses additional business and soft skills not necessarily required for advancement in private practice. Seniority In-house legal departments usually seek candidates who possess…
Navigating In-house Career Roadblocks
Despite the many perks of working in-house, there is one big negative: very little room at the top. Corporate law departments tend to be relatively flat organizationally and advancement depends on a number of factors mostly out of an ambitious lawyer’s control, such as the size and structure of the…
Myths of In-House Practice
Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is that just a myth? A significant number of law firm attorneys tell us that they would like to make the move to in-house practice. They cite such incentives as reduced hours, no pressure to develop business, more stability, and…
