Hello everyone,
I was just wondering how many lawyers in here have made the transition from in-house counsel to private practice/biglaw.
We often hear about biglaw lawyers going in-house, but the reverse situation is less common, most likely due to many reasons we all know (billable hours, stressful environments, being labeled "in-house lawyer" from law firms, etc.).
I am currently in-house on a contract (M&A & Governance, specialized in a growing industry), and contemplating returning to private practice (M&A / Governance) if my contract isn't renewed. I would like to hear from lawyers who have successfully made this transition.
There are often lots of misconceptions law firms have about in-house lawyers. - Personally I can guarantee I work alot, often at night and weekends, and have the opportunity to learn a lot in a complex industry and regulatory environment.
What made you switch back to private practice?
Is it worth it?
Thank you a lot for your input!
From in-house to private practice Forum
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Anonymous User
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From in-house to private practice
Last edited by Anonymous User on Thu Mar 10, 2016 2:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Anonymous User
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Re: From in-hous to private practice
I'm actually in the same boat, I was in a law firm, left to go in-house and I am now thinking about going back to a firm.
How many years have you been practicing?
How many years have you been practicing?
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Anonymous User
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Re: From in-house to private practice
I've been practicing for two years. Been in a private law firm for the first year and in-house for the second year.
The thing is that I contemplate making the switch before I get permanently labeled as an "in-house".
I've read at some places that many biglaw lawyers are unhappy with the lifestyle inherent to private practice.
The thing is that I contemplate making the switch before I get permanently labeled as an "in-house".
I've read at some places that many biglaw lawyers are unhappy with the lifestyle inherent to private practice.
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Danger Zone
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Re: From in-house to private practice
Why? Firm life blows
Last edited by Danger Zone on Sat Jan 27, 2018 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Anonymous User
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Re: From in-house to private practice
I don't know what in-house work is like but I think no matter what law firm you work at, there will always be tight deadlines. There will always be fire drills. I think that's simply the nature of private practice. The business model is set up so you can bill hours and please the client. Again, I don't know what actual in-house work is like (aside from reading anecdotal stories on TLS) but I can't imagine ever wanting to leave a nice in-house gig.
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Anonymous User
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Re: From in-house to private practice
OP here.
In fact, in-house work also has long hours, especially before closing transactions, and tight deadlines (speaking from my M&A point of view). Plus, our internal clients (management, officers and our subsidiaries) and regulators have high expectations and are also very (and always more) demanding.
I think law firm life is intellectually challenging and would allow me to work for a diversified clientele, and also offer more professional development opportunities and "independance" for paraprofessional activities like publishing articles. I know law firm environment is stressful and has its very own particularities, and I'd be ready to face this environment.
In fact, in-house work also has long hours, especially before closing transactions, and tight deadlines (speaking from my M&A point of view). Plus, our internal clients (management, officers and our subsidiaries) and regulators have high expectations and are also very (and always more) demanding.
I think law firm life is intellectually challenging and would allow me to work for a diversified clientele, and also offer more professional development opportunities and "independance" for paraprofessional activities like publishing articles. I know law firm environment is stressful and has its very own particularities, and I'd be ready to face this environment.
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84651846190
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Re: From in-house to private practice
My firm literally never hired anyone from an in house position, that I know of.
