Published on Nov 22, 2023
Moving from private practice to becoming an in-house lawyer is an exciting transition but, as well as many benefits, especially work-life balance, it also brings a unique set of challenges. Working within an organisation and alongside non-legal professionals is an interesting combination of law and business, and requires a distinct skill-set and mindset.
One of the biggest challenges is to build an understanding of the organisation's business and the business goals. In private practice, the focus is often on individual clients, but as an in-house lawyer, the focus needs to be on aligning legal advice with the company's overall objectives. This can be a big change of perspective but it’s crucial to get it right.
For an in-house lawyer legal decisions must consider the company's competitive landscape and long-term goals. There is a balance to be found between providing sound legal advice and facilitating business initiatives. Navigating this dynamic requires a keen sense of judgment and an ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a way that resonates with non-legal colleagues. It's not just about identifying risks but also putting forward solutions that facilitate the achievement of strategic business objectives.
Preventing legal issues before they arise is a key challenge for in-house lawyers. This requires a proactive approach to risk management, anticipating potential pitfalls and implementing strategies to mitigate them.
In-house lawyers often find themselves working closely with colleagues across the business. These colleagues often have their own set of priorities and perspectives on the goals to be achieved and collaborating requires understanding, flexibility and good communication. It’s crucial in an in-house role to building strong working relationships with non-legal colleagues.
In conclusion, the journey to becoming an in-house lawyer is full of challenges that demand a unique blend of legal knowledge and experience, as well as an understanding of the business and great interpersonal skills. Embracing these challenges and navigating the transition successfully will bring new perspectives and opportunities, as well as contributing significantly to the success of the organisation.
By attending the new IPI Academy course Becoming and in-house lawyer – navigating your path to corporate success our expert trainer, Helene Russell, will guide you through the many challenges and set you on your way to success.
Published on Nov 22, 2023 by Angela Spall