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Additional Posts in In-House Counsel
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It is absolutely normal. I think anytime you make a move, you wonder whether or not it is right for you.
I would say it is far more likely than not that you will be happy. Even if job number one is not for you, with in-house experience, you will likely find another position that you enjoy.
I’m in the same boat and also just got a great in-house offer. Putting in notice toward month end, but I can’t fully shake some of the nerves about whether it is the right move for sure.
Some of the key factors for me in deciding to accept were: a competitive total comp package (~$340k, inclusive of 401k matching), young child at home, accepting that I do not want to do what is necessary to make partner at my firm (I’m a 6th year now, so expectations and schedule craziness would go up from here if I stayed), and the need for greater predictability in my schedule and willingness to sacrifice some comp to get that predictability in house.
Rising Star
You can (and should) use bureaucracy to your advantage. If there’s no intake system, make a template you need them to fill out to engage you (not a Word doc, just the body of an email). Save it as an email signature so you can send it with 1 click. Reward those who follow the process, “punish” those who deviate.
Your ramp up period is a great time to get a lay of the land, learn who you need to escalate topics to, and see inefficiencies in the system (both in ways things are cumbersome & in ways that business partners have been incentivized to be a PITA).
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It’s worth it!
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What's the role/scope?
Chief
I ran and didn't look back
Pro
I felt this same way but remember that you decided to submit applications and interview for a reason or many reasons. Think back to those to remind yourself what you're trying to escape or run toward - that was a helpful exercise for me when I was in doubt
Are you taking a big pay cut? What's the reservation?
Rising Star
The job is OFTEN to provide “good enough” feedback, on a tight timeline, to adverse parties (even though y’all are supposed to be on the same team).
The “legal” aspects are hands down the easiest part. It’s more about client control and having strong EQ.
If you’re junior enough, you may regret it later. I did and have moved back to private practice. The grass isn’t always greener. Be sure it’s what you want.
Limited upward mobility, all the higher up roles (like GC) were held by lawyers who had close to 10 years of BL experience. I felt like I was treated like a paralegal sometimes. Also, my knowledge of the market just wasn’t on the same level as lawyers who’d stuck it out longer in a firm.
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I got laid off so the choice was made for me, but I'm infinitely happier in house!
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I had already spent a few years at another firm and wanted to try a more radical change in environment. Truly feels like a different job, in a good way.