In-house legal eagles who are a soaring success
NOT All lawyers work in legal practices — many work in the legal departments of firms.
‘The in-house corporate legal sector is growing, and there is a marked rise in quality in-house roles, but competition is high,’ says Tania Bowers, head of counsel for the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.
Fiona Meredith, a contract negotiator in the in-house legal team at Vodafone in leeds, says: ‘I’ve worked both at a law firm and in-house. In-house, you experience all the ways a legal team can support the business, and your involvement does not end when the deal or instruction is complete.’
After taking a degree in classical civilisation, Fiona did a graduate diploma in law and a legal practice course, then worked as a paralegal, before swapping to work in-house.
‘One day I’m dealing with an international organisation on a complex issue, the next with a mid-size company on a standard mobile agreement. As part of a large legal team, I learn from other members and develop my skills. That is invaluable at this stage of my career.’
Fiona advises others: ‘Work experience will help you to decide whether a law career is for you and what to specialise in. Keep up to date with legal and economic developments, so you’re prepared for interviews.’ Sarah Rosser, head of Vodafone’s enterprise legal team, says: ‘Solid academic legal qualifications are the basic requirements for an in-house role, as are tenacity, curiosity, courage to challenge the status quo, a positive attitude, willingness to collaborate and an ability to assess risk when making commercial decisions.
‘Get as much work experience as you can and talk to people who already work in-house. Most are happy to offer free advice.’
Olivia Collicott, managing consultant at Douglas Scott legal Recruitment, says: ‘There is a huge demand for solicitors to move in-house and as a result more companies are developing their graduate and trainee teams with training contracts.
‘Far fewer training contracts are offered in-house than in private practice and competition to get one is extremely high. In-house trainees earn £25,000 to £35,000, but salaries reach six figures for experienced in-house solicitors’.