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Would greatly appreciate y’all’s advice here. I went in-house fairly early (3-4th yr) from a V15, where I ran fairly large deals (with partner oversight of course, but such oversight was fairly minimal), to a place where (almost) everything I do is looked over before it goes out.

Aside from this, I like the job, my team and the hours, but am wondering how this might impact my overall growth as a lawyer (solely referring to skills, not promotions, etc.). I can’t help but review things a bit less carefully since I know I have a safety net.

How “dangerous” is this long-term from a growth perspective? Am I overthinking this? Anything I can do to mitigate this issue? Also, I know it’s not an issue with my work product or competency specifically, as this is the case across our department.

That's the opposite of most people's experience going in-house. Usually, the amount of oversight drops considerably. Who is looking at your work? A more senior attorney? Outside counsel?

It may just be that you are still new and they are assessing your skills/getting comfortable before they give you more autonomy. My first few assignments in-house were double checked by more senior attorneys, but after a year in I was pretty much on my own.

OP here, thanks- it’s a senior attorney who reviews everything (not outside counsel), and while I’m new, she reviews everything from attorneys who are more senior than me as well.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 27, 2021 3:44 pm

OP here, thanks- it’s a senior attorney who reviews everything (not outside counsel), and while I’m new, she reviews everything from attorneys who are more senior than me as well.

Seems like that may be more about the senior attorney liking to micromanage than anything else. Your immediate boss can have a huge impact on your experience in-house.

I think this can be a plus or a minus for development. If you are actually getting helpful feedback, it could be a good learning experience. If you aren't given sufficient autonomy to develop, it could hurt.