When a lawyer decides to transition from private practice to an in-house role, the reaction from others can often be filled with words of caution, and sometimes even outright discouragement. It’s generally a mix of dreaded predictions and stereotypes about in-house practice that leaves the lawyer questioning their decision. These words of caution, however, are not always valid and may even deter professionals from a fulfilling and dynamic in-house career. This viewpoint is well expressed by Brittany Johnson, Director, Corporate Counsel at Starbucks.
One such stereotype is that in-house counsel work is less sophisticated than private practice, suggesting that challenging projects are outsourced to firms while routine, low-stakes work is given to in-house lawyers. In reality, in-house counsel work is most often intriguing, challenging, and varied due to the dynamic nature of the corporate world. The rise of legal technology and alternative legal support services has also allowed in-house lawyers to automate routine tasks, allowing them to concentrate on more significant issues.
Another common fallacy is that moving in-house limits future career options. On the contrary, career prospects can continue to blossom even after moving in-house. For instance, in-house lawyers can move between corporations, return to law firms, or pursue government work. In fact, a legal role within an organization can even open up opportunities on the business side. A fitting example is Joanna Geraghty’s career trajectory from a JetBlue attorney to the CEO.
The assumption that all in-house lawyers become generalists and diminish their specialization over time is another baseless presumption. In fact, a broad scope of work can have significant benefits including keeping work exciting and assisting lawyers in better issue spotting. Additionally, it makes them more marketable as employers seek multi-talented lawyers.
The concern of a drastic pay cut when moving in-house holds some truth but is more often than not exaggerated. It’s necessary to consider the unique pay structures in the corporate world, such as company performance-tied bonuses and equity grants that can often boost an in-house lawyer’s compensation considerably. Furthermore, tax benefits and cost savings when shifting from a partnership structure should also be considered.
Thus, when faced with these myths about moving in-house, it’s essential for professionals to realize that the transition to an in-house role is a well-traveled path. Many lawyers find immense personal and professional satisfaction on this journey. It’s crucial not to let these stereotypes deter lawyers from exploring life and career success beyond private practice.