Money. There is no question about it, most law firms pay very well. While corporations may try to compete with compensation, the base pay can be significantly lower than an attorney would make at an AM LAW 200 firm. Some companies will try to lure these top attorneys with guaranteed or discretionary bonuses, but these may come in a lump sum and not in a consistent paycheck. These bonuses also may be the first on the cutting board, should the company hit a financial slump.
Hours. Most attorneys believe that if they move in-house, their job will be less demanding (more of a nine to five). This is not always the case. Attorneys that have moved in-house often complain that they are working just as many hours as they were a law firm, and not being compensated for it.
Upward Mobility. At some point, successful lawyers have to become entrepreneurs. If they can navigate the business aspect of law and build their own practice, the sky is the limit with respect upward mobility within the law firm environment (and high end compensation). When some attorneys transition to an in-house, they experience a sort of “ceiling” and find they can only move up within the company in a limited way. With multiple “Assistant Vice Presidents,” typically someone has to move out for the attorney to move up.
The practice of law. Believe it or not, many attorneys really like the practice of law. That’s hopefully why they decided to enter the profession. One of the most common complaints I hear when speaking with an attorney that took an in-house position, is that they miss the practice of law. They miss being a lawyer. While there is still some law involved, most in-house positions are heavily weighted toward administrative tasks. The day to day issues are not as challenging and attorneys can start to feel complacent or bored.
After being in-house, lateraling back to a law firm can be a difficult feat. Firms generally seek attorneys with strong law firm experience. If an attorney went in house too early in their career, they will not likely have been able to keep up the skills that are attractive to firms. If they receive an offer, they will probably be asked to discount their year-level. Additionally, the firm will always question the decision to go in-house and commitment to a law firm environment.
For more senior attorneys, whatever business they may have built while at a firm is lost once they accept an in-house position. It can be difficult to re-build a practice that took years to amass. At a certain seniority level, an attorney’s business is one of their most marketable elements.
There are absolutely situations where attorney make the jump to in-house, are perfectly happy, and would never think about returning to law firm life. Is that you?
Just a caution to those that are considering the leap: honestly evaluate your career goals. The in-house move can be a much bigger long-term decision than many attorneys realize.
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
