Once you’ve qualified as a solicitor (either via the LPC/training contract route or SQE route), you can start applying for in-house lawyer roles. It is common for many lawyers while working on private practice to have completed secondments with corporate clients before going in-house.

It is advisable to work in private practice first for at least two years, to get a good grounding in commercial law and develop your business acumen. Whilst in house gaining experience of dealing with commercial contracts, software agreements, agency & distribution agreements, IT agreements, procurement and intellectual property will prove essential when making the transition from private practice to in house.

When applying for roles it is essential to apply your knowledge & experience to relevant opportunities. If you have developed a niche in a particular sector, then applying for roles at in house organisations in that sector will give you an immediate advantage.

Doing your research. In-house positions require an in-depth understanding of a company’s business operations, so knowing the operational structure, business performance, business strategy and existing legal team is essential in your preparation. During the interview process it is essential that you are able to show your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and negotiation skills as you will be expected to provide advice that influences the strategic direction of the organisation.

In-house lawyers are at the very heart of the organisations they work for and work vary’s depending on the nature of the business and the size of the legal team, however the most common area of law you will encounter is commercial law. As an in house lawyer, you will be looking after all legal work on behalf of the organisation, so you need to be communicative, flexible in approach and being commercially aware.