What do they do?

• Lawyers working for the employed bar (in-house counsel) look after the needs of the organisation for which they work.

• The government, large firms and businesses such as football clubs, drinks companies will likely have an in-house team.

• In-house counsel are required to know about the business, understand how it works, and understand the bigger picture to be able to advise on law and strategy.

• There is a focus on communication and teamwork, and on being organized and able to prioritize.

• In-house legal teams are small and less hierarchical – but this does mean fewer chances of promotion. However, in-house lawyers can become an expert in the field in which their company specializes.

 

Where do they work?

• In the company, within the in-house legal team.

 

Is work experience available?

• Not usually although the Government Legal Service offers a diversity summer placement scheme.

 

Other details

• Although many lawyers train in private practice, training contracts are also available in-house. 500 companies are authorised to offer in house training contracts.

• Many lawyers usually complete secondments before moving in-house.

• At junior level, pay is better than in private practice, however the more senior you become the less true that becomes as well.