One of the wonderful things about being a legal search consultant is that, even after over 30 years in the trenches, I learn something new almost every day. Today, I learned something from a candidate that I want to share, since it’s so good. This candidate, a mid-level associate, is wise beyond his years. When…
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 in the same industry whom they…
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 law department may need an…
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 position, candidates should study the…
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 several years of solid law…
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 department, the age of its…
