Working in-house means being employed directly by an organisation as its internal legal adviser. In-house teams exist in virtually every sector — from FTSE 100 corporations to tech startups, NHS trusts, and charities.
1. What In-House Lawyers Do
In-house lawyers are generalists who advise on a wide range of legal issues affecting their organisation:
- Reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts
- Advising on regulatory compliance (data protection, employment law, health and safety)
- Managing disputes and litigation (often instructing external counsel)
- Supporting corporate transactions (M&A, joint ventures, restructuring)
- Advising the board on governance and risk
2. In-House vs Private Practice
| Factor | In-House | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life balance | Generally better; more predictable hours | Often demanding; long hours common |
| Salary (junior) | £40,000–£65,000 | £50,000–£150,000+ (City) |
| Client exposure | One client (your employer) | Multiple clients across sectors |
| Commercial involvement | Deep — you are part of the business | Advisory — you advise from outside |
| Specialisation | Broader, more generalist | Typically more specialised |
| Career progression | General Counsel → Board | Associate → Partner |
3. How to Get an In-House Role
Most in-house positions require 2–5 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in private practice. However, some organisations offer direct training contracts or legal graduate schemes — including the Government Legal Department, BT, and Vodafone.
4. Skills Valued In-House
- Commercial judgment: Understanding the business context, not just the legal position
- Pragmatism: Finding practical solutions, not just identifying risks
- Communication: Explaining legal issues to non-lawyers clearly
- Project management: Handling multiple matters simultaneously