The Allure of In-house

If you regularly speak to lawyers at large firms, you know that many plan to go in-house and become general counsel some day. The general perception is that going in-house offers better hours, more job security, a chance to earn a big pay out, an escape from time keeping and an opportunity to become part of "the team". It is doubtful that this perception will change any time soon.

But increasingly, we are seeing articles in the legal press that are debunking some of these myths. Today in Law.Com, for example, there a piece which highlights the growing risks associated with becoming general counsel. In a post Sarbanes-Oxley world, GC's are increasingly finding themselves targets of investigations.

Recently, I also published a two part article highlighting some of the pluses and minuses of going in-house.

I don't expect to see a fundamental shift in associate attitudes. It takes a long time to change perceptions. In a few years, however, I predict that fewer lawyers will be chasing in-house careers with the same zeal.

Secondment is a Win/Win for Clients and Firms

Corporations are starting to create secondment programs. With these programs, associates work in-house for a client for a period of time. The company pays a lower rate for the associate, avoids search fees and has the chance to better educate their law firm about their business. The firm gets to strengthen its relationship with the client and the associate has the chance to see what it is like to work in-house.

Q&A Re: In-House Legal Careers

My latest article in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

In-house Law Departments Facing the Squeeze

Going in-house may offer a number of advantages over law firm life. Most in-house lawyers do not have to track billable hours (at least not in 6 minute increments.) Also, working more closely with your client can mean fewer last minute deadlines. But in-house law departments are increasingly asked to do more with less. Corporate America may not offer a reprieve from the long hours that attorneys work in law firms.

Interviewing Tips for In-House Jobs

Some very good advice for lawyers who are interviewing for in-house jobs.

Only 30% of GC's Like Their Outside Counsel

Sounds like a great marketing opportunity (or perhaps a wakeup call to anyone with corporate clients.)

Going In-house

The General Counsel of Keane is interviewed by the Boston Business Journal. She shares her perspectives on what her relationship is like with outside counsel (e.g. when she calls up outside firms, what kinds of work she sends out, etc.)