In-House Counsel

Would you give up 6 weeks of paid parental leave at your firm to accept an in-house position? My leave ends in late April, and I have an offer with a start date of mid March. The company cannot push b… more

I got a verbal offer a couple of weeks ago and have yet to receive a written offer - multiple people on vacation, stock true ups happening, some approvals needed, but I’m starting to get nervous. I’ve… more

Is it easier to go in house from big law (general M&A practice) or a specialized practice at a midsize firm?

I am in late-stage interviews for an in-house role, but it would be 5 days a week in office, non-negotiable. This job is everything I could want, but my commute is over an hour each way. If I get it, … more

It’s sinking in that I’ve been ghosted after a final round. I read the horror stories here and heeded the warnings, but somehow the unprofessionalism from these “prestige” companies still shocks me. I… more

Is it ever appropriate to send a short note to a talent manager of a company to express interest? I applied to a job I’m really excited a week and a half ago and am thinking about sending a short note… more

When you’ve received an in-house offer, how long do you typically have to respond?

7 YOE (5 practicing 2 in clerkship) in employment and regulatory and looking to transition in house for better WLB. What are some of the best industries to look into?

Is it better to be a specialist or generalist in a large company with over 100 legal professionals?

Has anyone ever shifted from in-house to something like trust and estates? I'm securities counsel at a pubco (former M&A and cap markets big law). Accounting/finance background as well pre-law… more

I’m a current biglaw associate preparing a resume for in-house roles. Should I include an interests section on my resume or is that weird?

Going in house with 1.5 years of big law experience. Still junior. Worried about what I don’t know/training but the company has hired lawyers fresh out of law school. Should I accept? Pay is good, and… more

I'm joining an IHC department as the second lawyer. GC has been solo up to this point. They're offering the title Assistant GC, which TBH is already above market for my YOE. Do I ask for AGC s… more

When companies interview for their first GC-level person, is it mostly based on culture fit, personality, and their resume? What if the c-suite is not experienced or have never worked with a GC?

Should I mention my unemployment in a cover letter?
I was just let go due to a reorganization, and today I saw a dream job listing (in my preferred practice area, reputable company in my city, and onl… more

Any book, article or podcast recommendations for somebody making the move to in-house?

Anyone else find the hardest shift of becoming a senior attorney in house is the lack of oversight and visibility from the GC/a supervisor?

I report directly to the GC and she explicitly does not want to know wha… more

When & how would you ask for time off for a pre-planned 2-week trip when you start a new job as inhouse counsel? It didn’t occur to me to bring it up during the interviewing stage. I start the job… more

How do you give notice without burning a bridge? Any specific examples are helpful.

I’m applying for a role at a client’s company - is it okay to mention that I’ve worked on their public litigations before, even though I haven’t appeared as counsel of record?

I have a 2nd round interview with MAANG next week for a product counsel role. Anyone have any insights on the technical/substantive questions they might ask? Any advice on ways to prep would be greatl… more

Any success stories of landing an in house job after quitting big law and taking some time off?

I recently had an unforeseeable emergency that depleted my savings. I took a massive pay cut from big law to in-house and I am waiting for my lease to end to reduce some of my expenses to match my current salary.… more

I'm the solo GC of a growing start-up. I'm liking it so far but feel heavily under-utilized and somewhat unappreciated. There's a lot I could do but I don't seem to have the room to. C… more

Anyone at Goldman or JPM? What is comp like for VP of legal with roughy 6-8 YOE?

How many applications did you submit in house before landing first in house offer? How many first round interviews? How many second? I’m looking for some hope here given how many times I’ve had first … more

Recently moved from big law to in-house. Overall, really enjoying the move. That said, old habits die hard—I find myself still trying to impress people, worrying about optics, and looking for work even when thing… more

Are in-house exits actually easier to come by leaving biglaw than midlaw? Or is it the y.o.e. that matters most?

Dress code for in-person interviews with the GC and 5 other senior members of legal team? When I interviewed with the hiring manager virtually, I wore a jacket and no tie. Do I wear a suit for in pers… more

Starting my first in house job soon. It has an “unlimited” vacation policy. Would it be a bad look if I took 2 weeks off after 6 months in the role? My former firm gave 20 days PTO so I’m aiming to ta… more

Any success using a recruiter to land an in-house role? My instinct says this may hurt more than it helps do to their fee, but I just want a gut check.

How does WLB compare between biglaw and in-house at a PE firm?

For those who moved hybrid/in office in house roles from remote biglaw jobs, how was the transition? I got so used to at wfh so can imagine having to go into the office. Remote roles seem to be rare.

Hi guys,

I'm paralegal with +5 y exp in IP of the global team. There is a generalist counsel role opened for a national team in the same company (I have just qualified so I am eligible). Current ma… more

Gut check: considering an offer from a small cap pubco. Comp is slightly higher than my current Cravath scale comp as a 6th year. Does that mean the WLB will be just as bad as biglaw?

is it busy for everyone too? feels like the holiday corporate busy season is bleeding over to January

When do you ask details of the hybrid arrangements?

Very interested in a role that’s an hour and 15 from my residence. I think that’s doable a few times a week. Position is advertised as “hybrid,” but … more