19 Surprising Truths About Life as an In-House Lawyer

What it really takes to succeed in in house legal jobs beyond the black-letter law

The in-house legal market has grown rapidly in recent years, with companies across sectors expanding their legal teams. Whether you are a General Counsel hiring for your team, or a solicitor considering a move from private practice, understanding the realities of working in-house has never been more important.

So, what is life really like inside the business? Here are 19 surprising truths about being an in-house lawyer.

1. Strong legal skills are just the starting point

Every Legal Counsel needs solid black-letter law, but success depends on commercial awareness and understanding how the business operates. If you don’t understand how the business makes money, you’ll be seen as an obstacle, not an asset.

2. Relationships matter

In-house lawyers who build trust with colleagues become go-to advisors, essential for anyone looking to progress to Head of Legal or General Counsel roles. Be the person your team wants in the room when the stakes are high, not just the person who can recite legislation by heart.

3. Speak like a business partner, not a lawyer

Clear communication is vital. Jargon shuts doors, plain English opens them.

4. Success often goes unnoticed

If you prevent disputes before they start, you may not get the applause. But that’s what businesses value most when hiring in-house legal teams.

5. Perfect advice isn’t always practical

Companies want advice that drives decisions forward, a key reason many lawyers move in-house from private practice. In-house legal jobs reward lawyers who can say: “Here are your three best options, and here’s what I’d recommend.”

6. Focus on the right problems

It’s easy to get bogged down in every risk but in-house legal jobs are about prioritisation; solving the 20% of issues that matter most.

7. Silence can be powerful

Sometimes the most effective strategy is stepping back and letting the business own the decision.

8. “Solution-oriented” is the whole job

Hiring managers look for Legal Counsel who are solution-finders, not just risk-spotters. Bringing a solution that works commercially is the difference between being the “Department of No” and being invited back into the boardroom.

9. You don’t need to be the smartest in the room

The most successful General Counsel are often the best listeners. Often, asking the right question is more powerful than having all the answers.

10. Admitting “I don’t know” builds trust

Nobody trusts the lawyer who pretends to know everything. Authenticity matters more than bravado in in-house legal teams.

11. Great outside counsel make life easier

The best in-house lawyers aren’t afraid to lean on external counsel. Strong external lawyer relationships are a must-have for anyone leading an in-house function.

12. Cut the legalese

When hiring in-house lawyers, companies value those who can translate complex law into business language.

13. Overlawyering slows the business

The best in-house lawyers find the balance between risk and pragmatism.

14. Judgment beats encyclopaedic knowledge

Recruiters and hiring managers prize commercial judgment over textbook recall.

15. Share the knowledge

Templates, playbooks, and processes make legal scalable. A smart in-house lawyer doesn’t just solve today’s problem; they make sure the team can solve tomorrow’s too.

16. Sometimes you protect the company from itself

Telling the CEO “no” is never fun but it’s part of the job. Delivering hard truths with clarity and care is part of being a trusted Head of Legal.

17. “Quick reviews” are rarely quick

Expectation management is a core part of in-house practice.

18. Being a great partner matters more than proving legal brilliance

That’s why businesses look for lawyers who can integrate seamlessly into leadership teams.

19. Risk tolerance is relative

Every company has its own appetite for risk, and it rarely matches your personal one. Understanding that culture fit is key in in-house legal recruitment.

Why this matters for lawyers and employers

For lawyers: if you’re considering the move in-house, these truths provide a realistic view of what to expect from a career as a Legal Counsel, Head of Legal or General Counsel.

For companies: when you’re hiring in-house lawyers, look for these qualities, they’re what separate technically strong lawyers from those who become trusted, strategic business partners.

At JMC Legal Recruitment, we support both candidates and clients across the UK. Whether you’re a solicitor exploring in-house legal jobs, or a business building your first in-house team, we have the market knowledge to help.

👉 Get in touch to discuss current opportunities or to learn how we can support your in-house hiring strategy.