Big Sis Briefing: Yes, You Can Go In-House First! Why the Old Rules Don’t Apply Anymore
There’s a persistent myth in the legal industry that goes a little something like this:
“You have to do [insert arbitrary number] years in private practice before you can even think about going in-house.
Call me rage baity but that advice is outdated, gatekeepy and missing the mark. There. I said it. On the record, your honour.
The world of legal work has shifted.
Businesses need commercially-minded lawyers who can solve problems, communicate clearly and get things done.
You don’t need a fancy law firm name on your CV to prove you can do that.
How did we get here? Let’s break it down.
For decades, private practice was the assumed “training ground.”
Firms had the clients, the structure and the reputation.
But today’s in-house legal teams are more dynamic, lean and in desperate need of smart, practical lawyers who don’t need to be told twice.
Yes, it helps to get early supervision…
Yes, experience matters…
But that doesn’t have to come from a top-tier law firm. Come on people, let’s be more creative and think outside the box a little!
There are other ways to learn, grow, and build the skills that matter.
Here’s what actually counts:
Can you communicate clearly? Businesses want lawyers who can write, speak and explain the law in plain English.
Do you understand commercial context? It’s not just “what’s legal” but “what’s smart and strategic for the business.”
Can you prioritise and make decisions? You’ll be in the room with stakeholders, not just drafting in the background.
Are you coachable? In-house teams will train you if you’re humble, curious and ready to roll up your sleeves.
Do you know how to build relationships? You’ll work with the business, not just for it. People need to trust you.
Practical moves if you want to go in-house early:
Look at contract management roles or legal operations (“legal ops”) as a foot in the door. They can evolve into legal counsel pathways, especially in scale-ups.
Back yourself in interviews. Don’t apologise for not coming from private practice. Talk about your adaptability, commercial mindset and hunger to learn.
Find a mentor who’s done it. Plenty of us have skipped the “traditional” route. I’ve interviewed them on my podcast!
Be active on LinkedIn. Yes, really. Share your thinking. Comment thoughtfully. Make connections. Opportunities often come from visibility.
Learn the business. If you’re already in a non-legal role (compliance, admin, paralegal), use that time to absorb how the company operates.
There’s more than one way to build a brilliant legal career.
The truth is, the old rules mostly served those already on the inside or those that wanted to keep their best talent from leaving “too early” i.e “before I’ve billed you out for another 3,000 hours.”
We’re rewriting them now.
If you’re sitting there wondering if you’ve missed your shot because you didn’t follow the “right” path, I promise that you haven’t. I’ve got the proof. I’ve heard the stories. I know incredible in house legal leaders who did it differently.
You're not late.
You're just starting in a different (and often more interesting) place.
Keep going.
💖
