How to Land an In-House Attorney Position

Moving from a law firm to an in-house legal role takes strategic planning and the right approach. This guide breaks down the key steps to help you transition successfully.

Build Relevant Experience First

Most companies want in-house attorneys with 4-7 years of law firm experience. Focus on gaining experience in areas like:

• Corporate transactions and governance

• Contract drafting and negotiation

• Regulatory compliance

• Employment law

• Intellectual property

Develop Business Acumen

In-house roles require you to think like a business partner, not just a lawyer. Take steps to build commercial awareness:

• Read industry news and financial reports

• Learn basic accounting and finance concepts

• Study your target companies' business models

• Get involved in business strategy discussions at your firm

Target the Right Companies

Research companies that match your experience and interests. Consider:

• Industry alignment with your practice area expertise

• Company size and legal department structure

• Growth trajectory and financial stability

• Geographic location and remote work policies

• Company culture and values

Polish Your Application Materials

Your resume and cover letter need a different focus for in-house roles. Highlight your business judgment and practical solutions, not just technical legal skills.

Resume Tips

• Emphasize commercial impact and business outcomes

• Quantify results where possible

• Show industry-specific knowledge

• Include non-legal business experience

• Highlight cross-functional team collaboration

Network Strategically

Many in-house positions are filled through networking. Build connections by:

• Joining industry associations

• Attending corporate counsel events

• Connecting with in-house attorneys on LinkedIn

• Maintaining relationships with former colleagues who went in-house

• Working with specialized legal recruiters

Prepare for Different Interview Questions

In-house interviews focus heavily on business judgment and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss:

• How you balance legal risks with business objectives

• Examples of providing practical solutions to business problems

• Experience working with non-lawyer stakeholders

• Your approach to managing multiple priorities

• Ways you've added value beyond legal advice

Consider Alternative Paths

If you're struggling to land a direct in-house role, consider these stepping stones:

• Secondments to client companies

• Contract attorney positions

• Project-based legal work

• Compliance roles

• Industry-specific regulatory positions

Develop Key In-House Skills

Start building these essential skills before making the move:

• Project management

• Budget oversight

• Vendor management

• Internal communications

• Leadership and influence without authority

Understand the Trade-offs

Be clear about the differences between firm and in-house roles:

• Often lower compensation but better work-life balance

• Broader scope but less specialized work

• Different career progression paths

• More business involvement but fewer purely legal challenges

• One client but multiple internal stakeholders

Stay Patient and Persistent

Landing the right in-house role takes time. Keep these points in mind:

• Competition is high for good in-house positions

• Timing and fit matter as much as qualifications

• Each failed application provides learning opportunities

• Your network becomes more valuable over time

• The right opportunity often comes through unexpected channels

The transition to an in-house role can transform your legal career. But success requires careful planning, the right experience, and a clear understanding of what companies need. Focus on building relevant skills and connections while staying patient in your search.