Many in-house lawyers didn’t start their legal careers knowing they’d end up working in corporate legal departments. In fact, only 16% of lawyers go in-house immediately after completing law school.
For many who transition, going in-house is a quest for a more stable career path, an attempt to “escape” the grueling hours and pressures of law firm life.
But even as corporate counsel, your job isn’t exactly a cakewalk. From building industry expertise and tracking compliance to reviewing contracts and driving decisions that directly affect the business, going in-house puts you at the heart of the organization’s success. And that comes with a lot of pressure.
No wonder 78% of in-house counsel report feeling stressed in their current roles.
To effectively tackle the challenges that come with the territory, in-house lawyers shouldn’t underestimate the power of the community. They need to come together to share insights, collaborate, and support each other’s growth.
The pressure is different, not absent
"I was really nervous that I was gonna fail at this job, and I needed some support, some friends. I needed to have that network in place before I needed it."
~ Shai Mehani, CEO In-House Connect
Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
Law firm life is brutal in its own way. But switching to in-house doesn’t make the pressure go away. It just gives it a new face.
The stress goes from “Did I log in enough hours?” or “Did I capture the right precedent in my argument?” to “Did I just derail a million-dollar deal?” or “Is this compliance risk going to blow up later?”
Indeed, the modern in-house counsel isn’t just a lawyer. Organizations now see them as business partners, expecting them to play important roles in cost savings, business expansion, and innovation, all while staying on top of deadlines and keeping risks under control.
Source: Olga V. Mack via LinkedIn
With so much on their plate, in-house lawyers can't afford to run through their entire career in isolation. The most successful lawyers don't just build legal expertise; they build connections.
Watch the podcast: Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
Benefits of connecting with other in-house counsel
#1 Connections that open doors
"I just got to the point where I was very unhappy doing matrimonial law. It wasn't for me. I like when people are happy. I like to bring people together. And I got really, really lucky. There was a job posting for an in-house legal role. I had a friend from law school who was VP of legal there and I owe her like my life frankly because she helped me get my foot in the door. Got the commercial counsel position at a tech startup in New York City in those gleaming skyscrapers that I dreamed about and that was my big break."
~Shai Mehani, CEO In-House Connect
Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
Being a part of a good community of in-house lawyers might be all it takes to put you in life-changing positions.
According to a study by Pinpoint, referred candidates are 7 times more likely to be hired than those who follow the job boards route.
Whether you're trying to move to a bigger company or secure a deal for your own business, the right connections can make a world of difference.
Source: Charlie Lawson via LinkedIn
#2 Support during tough times
Curveballs can come at any time, especially in legal practice where risks are a part of the day-to-day.
One mistake can cost your organization a valuable business opportunity, or you might lose a legal battle that puts the business in a difficult position. In moments like this, you'll appreciate being around people who understand the depths of your struggle.
Confiding in your trusted colleagues helps reduce the burden on your shoulders while keeping you open to moral support and helpful advice.
Source: Gary Miles via LinkedIn
#3 Staying on top of trends and current best practices in your industry
As an in-house lawyer, it is your job to stay on top of trends and industry best practices. And isolating yourself is definitely not how you achieve that.
Connecting with other in-house lawyers in your field of play gives you firsthand insights into what's working, what's changing, and how others are handling emerging challenges.
#4 Better job satisfaction
“I don't think being a lawyer sucks. I think if you're lucky enough to practice at a high level, to work with great people, at a great company, you're not gonna hate it. You're gonna love it, and you're gonna be thrilled by it.”
~Shai Mehani, CEO In-House Connect
Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
According to Enboarder, 94% of all respondents in their survey said they’re more engaged and productive when they feel connected to their colleagues.
There’s a sense of warmth that comes with having colleagues or being a part of a community that gets it—people who celebrate your wins and understand your struggles. Work won’t always feel like a party. But when it gets hard, having the right people around makes it meaningful and keeps you going.
Webinar: Building and Managing an Efficient In-House Legal Team
#5 Mentorship that helps you grow
“I didn't have any experience. I never redlined a contract before in my life even when I practiced. I was very green and the person who helped get my foot in the door was a fantastic mentor and trained me beautifully. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm very fond of that first job.”
~Shai Mehani, CEO In-House Connect
Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
Building connections with other experienced in-house lawyers is a powerful strategy for career growth. Many of the things you'll learn from your peers aren't taught in law schools. But by being a part of that group, you'll be able to cross-pollinate ideas and grow together.
Let's say you're a master at reviewing contracts while someone in your network has extensive experience closing high-end deals. If such a person agrees to teach you what they know about contract negotiation, it can be a game changer for not just your organization but your career as a whole.
Also read: Building a Legal Function From Scratch: Insights from 8 GCs and Heads of Legal
Where to find the right community of in-house lawyers
According to the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), there are 140,800 in-house lawyers in the United States (US). With the advancement of social media platforms and the internet, finding a community of in-house lawyers has become much easier than it used to be.
“I was really nervous that I had nothing to fall back on, that's why I started to network. There's the ACC and other groups out there, though not as many as there are now. But to be honest at the time I couldn't afford the annual membership so I found a meetup group called the New York In-house Counsel on meetup.com. I thought it was one of these zombie groups floating out there that's inactive, but I clicked, and sure enough, it was active.”
~Shai Mehani, CEO In-House Connect
Why In-House Lawyers Need Each Other
#1 Social media and online forums
There are countless online communities you can join. This is the easiest route since you can join from anywhere. There are LinkedIn groups, subreddits, Fishbowl forums, and more dedicated to in-house lawyers in different industries.
A simple Google search can show you communities most relevant to you. Make your pick and build healthy relationships there.
#2 Professional associations
Organizations like the ACC, Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC), and In-House Counsel Worldwide (ICW) exist to connect lawyers and help them build better careers.
Being a part of these associations gives you access to training, exclusive events, and career opportunities. Some of them also have regional chapters you can join to connect with other lawyers in your field.
#3 Industry conferences
Be on the lookout for upcoming industry conferences. Participating in these conferences is one of the best ways to connect directly with other people in your line of work.
Whether it's a large annual event like the ACC Annual Meeting or a niche legal summit specific to your field, these events provide insights and networking opportunities. You'll hear from experienced professionals, learn about emerging legal issues, and even discover new strategies to make your job more productive.
Moreover, the connections you make at these events could lead to mentorships, job opportunities, or simply a network of peers who’ll make your career journey easier.
Legal practice shouldn’t be a solo journey
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
Building a successful legal career takes more than legal expertise. To truly thrive, professional relationships must be a part of the equation.
But as you work hard to build your connections, make sure you stay consistent. Always show up when it’s important and contribute gainfully to your community.
At SpotDraft, we’re committed to helping in-house lawyers build careers they’re proud of. From podcasts to webinars and physical events, we’ve partnered with dozens of industry leaders to give you the insights you need to stay on top of your journey.
