Hello all,

I'm interested in a temperature check on the in-house counsel industry. I have been working on the director level for 5+ years in the biotech industry (12 years overall). I've been applying to jobs at the senior director level and higher, but would consider director level if the fit was right.

The three companies I was most excited for, I got rejected by for not having law firm experience. I have worked mostly in-house. Is this something I'm going to continue to see?

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Unfortunately, probably so.

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I’m surprised they gave a reason. As far I know I’ve never been rejected for that. I hire lawyers and I don’t care about it

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That’s true I guess, the later I’ve gone in interviews the more likely I am to get a reason.

I’ve seen companies advertise the position as requiring law firm experience and I usually don’t even apply because (1) I don’t have it, (2) even if I wowed them enough to get an offer, I know I won’t fit with that mentality, I never could fit the normal lawyer mold.

I work in fintech and have worked with some of the biggest (names on pro stadiums etc). None have ever required law firm experience. If you are coming from a top firm or consumer finance firm it doesn’t hurt or anything though. Good luck with your search! I probably went through hundreds of applications, 10 multiple interview processes with companies, and tuned down 3 offers before landing at my current dream job. It’s a numbers game these days…

likehelpful

Likely. Almost all jobs I’ve applied for ask for law firm experience or a mix of in house and law firm experience. For better or worse, a lot of companies just assume that firm training makes you more competent.

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Good luck. I was “let go” at the end of Q1, 25 years in regulatory- energy, the OBBB comes along, changes ALL ITCs for all energy, the IRS continues, at its leisure, to post updates, interpretations, Like being in law school all over again. My boss turned 40 in January. I joined last July, 2025. I had my own practice before. I was let go with 12 other GenX-Over50 employees. The week before, decent bonus and raise, great annual review. Then POOF! I’m am an older attorney with 4 daughters and unemployed. So, don’t go in-house. You are more easily expendable than at a law firm. My advice, learn Estate Planning/Wealth Management and start your own. People die and they want their stuff managed. And, you will make 10 times more. Keep it lean, do their wills, trusts, probate, the client is yours for life(literally).

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Did they tell you the rejection was because of lacking firm experience or is this that you assumed? based on my experience, most inhouse team would like people who have in-house experiences.

They said the candidate they chose had law firm experience, which aligned with their expected profile better. I was honestly surprised and pleased by their candor, because usually you just get fluff.

That doesn’t even make any sense. In house experience is far more relevant.

Generally, when I see this requirement it is because the hiring manager has a lot of law firm experience and thinks it is important. Wants to make sure whoever they hire has “paid their dues.” More of an arrogance thing. Personally, the best in house attorneys I have worked with have spent most of their career in-house. 🤷‍♂️

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I have 20 years of experience of only in house and the requirement for lawfirm experience is crucial unless you find a small company in your field. Try to find a gig where there are only 1-3 other lawyers and you may need to work your way up. Good Luck!

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