Common Questions About Going In-house / Government
Transitioning to an in-house or government position can be a significant career move for many lawyers and there are several common questions and concerns that arise during this process. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequently asked questions we get about in-house and government roles.
How does the pay compare?
One of the first questions many lawyers ask is about salary. While junior lawyers might see a salary that’s similar to or slightly higher than what they earned in private practice, senior lawyers often hit a plateau sooner in an in-house role compared to their counterparts in law firms.
The key distinction lies in the nature of the roles: in a law firm, lawyers are fee earners who directly generate income. In-house counsel, on the other hand, are typically seen as expenses, despite their critical contributions. This means that negotiating salary increases can be more challenging. Gaining experience alone may not lead to higher pay, so developing persuasive negotiation skills is essential.
What’s the best background or expertise to have?
Generally, you need to have at least 3-7 years of post-admission experience (PAE) to move in-house. This level of experience typically provides the necessary training to be able to work independently, commercially and effectively adapt yourself across various areas of law. While there’s no strict rule, it’s generally advisable to wait until you have at least three years of PAE before making the move in-house or into government.
For in-house roles in companies, strong corporate or commercial experience is highly beneficial, especially with skills in contract negotiation, drafting, and intellectual property. Each company will have unique needs, but transactional or front-end expertise is often in demand and the most suitable experience for in-house roles.
For government roles, the particular skills and knowledge you need is much more dependent on the specific government department you’d be working for. For example, it’s usually really rare for an insurance lawyer to pivot in-house, but right now we have several government roles available in the insurance space.
Will it be bad for my career in private practice?
The impact of moving in-house on a future career in private practice can be mixed and often depends on personal career goals. Some in-house roles offer high-quality work that can enhance your resume, while others may not.
Certain law firms view extended time in an in-house role as potentially detrimental, particularly if the role focuses on general management rather than specialised legal advice. However, the skills gained and connections made while working in-house can also be valuable assets if you decide to return to private practice. With strategic networking and a clear plan, you may even find opportunities to start your own firm or advance to partnership.
Will I get better work-life balance and perks?
Work-life balance in in-house and government positions is a rapidly changing landscape. While you might expect more flexible work options and benefits like non-standard leave (e.g., parental or study leave), many companies prefer their in-house counsel to be on-site full-time and don’t have comparable leave benefits (such as no maternity leave in some instances). Companies also need to be fast acting in response to legal issues and challenges, which means they typically want their counsel readily available to respond.
Considering a transition to in-house counsel is a significant decision that requires careful thought about things like expertise, career trajectory, salary and work-life balance. By addressing these common questions, you can make a more informed choice about your career path.
If you want more advice about whether the move in-house or into government is for you, how to set your career up to be able to move in-house one day, or other career advice more generally, then feel free to reach out to us here at Peppercorn Recruitment.