Exploring In-House Legal Teams: An Alternative Legal Path

UCL Law for All Society
Oct 17
4 min read

By Arafath Ahmad

An Introduction to In-House Lawyers

The legal profession is often perceived as divided between solicitors in private practice and barristers at the Bar. However, this perception is evolving as more companies recognise the benefits of having lawyers work within their organisations on a permanent basis.

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the size and influence of in-house legal teams, with lawyers taking on roles across organisations of all sizes, from global corporations to mid-sized and emerging businesses. Recent figures show that the number of solicitors working in-house rose by 1,058 in 2023 to a total of 35,738, meaning in-house practitioners now account for 22% of all practising solicitors in England and Wales. This steady growth highlights the increasing popularity of the in-house route for newly-qualified lawyers.

This article will explore what these roles involve, why they are becoming increasingly sought after, and what aspiring lawyers can take away from understanding this side of the profession.

Overview of In-House Counsel

The role of in-house lawyers has become central to how businesses operate as companies face increasing legal and regulatory challenges. In-house lawyers provide immediate advice across departments ranging from finance to marketing and beyond, helping organisations manage risk while pursuing their commercial objectives.

Whilst solicitors in private practice advise multiple external clients, in-house lawyers work directly for a single organisation, providing support from within. Their “client” is the business itself, and so their work is directly linked to the commercial goals of the organisation. This means that in-house lawyers are integral business partners, expected to understand the company’s operations and contribute to strategic decisions.

Within in-house teams, the range of roles varies depending on the size and structure of the specific organisation. Most teams consist of legal counsel, senior legal counsel, heads of the legal division, and a general counsel. At the most junior level, lawyers typically begin as legal counsel or junior advisers, assisting with drafting contracts and conducting research. Senior legal counsel typically oversee more complex matters and provide guidance to their juniors, whilst heads manage specific divisions or regional teams. The general counsel sits at the top of the structure, taking ultimate responsibility for legal strategy and acting as a key adviser to the board.

The Work of In-House Lawyers

The scope of in-house work is often broader than that of their counterparts in private practice. Seeing as in-house teams are typically smaller, lawyers are required to handle a wider range of legal issues, and so are expected to be possess generalist rather than specialist knowledge of the law. Their work spans from drafting and negotiating commercial contracts to advising on employment law, data protection, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. The exact focus depends heavily on the industry at hand; the needs of a financial institution, for example, differ significantly from the needs of a media outlet. This variety gives the in-house team a generalist skill set, and leaves them capable of adapting their legal expertise to meet the diverse needs of the business.

For example, when Netflix began producing original content such as House of Cards and The Crown, the legal team was central in managing global rights, licensing, and defamation risks. They negotiated contracts while ensuring compliance with varying international regulations. The legal team handled intellectual property protection and reputational management for high-profile shows.

Benefits and Challenges of Working In-House

A growing number of lawyers are choosing to start their careers in-house or move into internal roles. In fact, a recent UK survey found that 54% of in-house teams expect to do a greater share of work internally, as opposed to outsourcing. This shift is part of a broader movement: many are leaving external practice to positions embedded within the business itself.

This shift is driven by several factors. Unlike private practice, in-house roles often offer greater variety in work beyond narrow specialisms, offering the opportunity to partake in a variety of work. Many in-house lawyers cite the feeling of genuine business participation to be a key motivator, particularly the opportunity to contribute directly to the company’s growth and success by being involved throughout the lifecycle of a business decision. Many also cite improved work–life balance and a desire to see projects through from start to finish. These factors illustrate how the in-house route has become an increasingly attractive route, both for people starting out in the legal industry and those looking for a change of environment.

While the appeal of in-house practice is clear, it also comes with challenges. Opportunities for early training and specialisation can be more limited than in private practice, and smaller teams may mean fewer mentors and slower progression. However, for those seeking a more dynamic and business-oriented environment, these trade-offs are often outweighed by the benefits.

Opportunities within In-House Legal Practice

Although most lawyers enter in-house roles after qualifying,there are increasing opportunities to gain exposure before qualification. Many large companies, such as PwC now offer vacation schemes and insight schemes within their legal teams, giving students a chance to understand how legal advice operates in a commercial setting. Flex Legal also runs initiatives which place aspiring solicitors in-house roles to build experience while studying for qualification, effectively functioning as a training contract but within the in-house environment. Opportunities like these allow students to explore whether an in-house environment suits their skills and ambitions.

Conclusion

In-house legal teams have become an integral part of how modern businesses operate, offering lawyers the opportunity to apply legal expertise in a commercial context. I hope this article has piqued your interest and will push many more to explore what an in-house career might offer. For those curious about how law operates beyond the firm or the courtroom, the in-house route is certainly one worth considering.

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Edited by Artyom Timofeev

Exploring In-House Legal Teams: An Alternative Legal Path

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