8 Top Tips For Lawyers Moving In-House

Are you a private practice lawyer considering a move in-house? The transition can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can also be a highly rewarding step in your legal career.

We spoke to Briona Brogan, quadruple-qualified lawyer (NY, Ireland, England & Wales) and Principal Legal Recruitment Consultant for Robert Walters Ireland, to get her top tips for lawyers thinking about making the move.

Here’s what you need to know to stand out to employers and thrive in an in-house legal role.

1. Understand the Real Differences Between In-House and Private Practice

“Moving in-house isn’t just a change of scenery, it’s a shift in how you work and think,” says Briona. “In-house lawyers are business partners first - decisions often require balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes. Your work is more integrated with strategy, product, operations, and leadership.”

The pace is often faster, more collaborative, and pragmatic. While private practice offers deeper specialism and structured training, in-house roles provide breadth and the chance to make a direct impact on the business.

If you can secure a secondment with a client, this can give you a massive advantage. Any knowledge of the in-house way of working will be to your advantage, but sector-specific experience is by no means essential.

2. Remember: There is no perfect PQE level to move in-house

“There’s no magic number when it comes to PQE for moving in-house,” Briona explains. “You can make a successful move at 1 PQE or 10 PQE -what matters is mindset, adaptability, and genuine interest in the business.”

Junior lawyers (even NQ–2 PQE) can thrive in-house, especially with good mentorship or a supportive team. Senior lawyers may benefit from broader responsibility and closer involvement in decision-making. “The old ‘2–5 PQE rule’ is outdated - career paths are more fluid than ever,” Briona adds.

While many in-house legal jobs attract lawyers with 2–5 years’ PQE, there are definitely exceptions. If you’re ready for the move, don’t let the numbers hold you back.

3. Focus on commercial awareness, not niche technical skills

“Companies value lawyers who understand how the business makes money and how legal issues affect operations,” says Briona. “You don’t need specialist industry experience to start - you pick it up quickly on the job. Curiosity, judgement, and communication skills are often more valuable than technical depth.”

Employers look for CVs that highlight versatility, so try to broaden your skills as much as possible. Commercial experience and knowledge of other legal disciplines (e.g. litigation) are highly valued, so highlight these when you apply for in-house jobs.

4. Be clear about what you want from the move

“Identifying your motivators is key,” Briona advises. “Are you looking for broader responsibility, a better work-life balance, or closer involvement in business decisions? Knowing what you want helps you choose the right in-house environment.” 

Think about your long-term career goals: do you want to develop commercial acumen, gain exposure to different areas of law, or work closely with senior leadership? Understanding your priorities will help you target roles and organisations that align with your values and ambitions.

Briona recommends speaking to lawyers who have already made the transition. “Hearing first-hand about their experiences can help clarify what you want from your next move and what type of in-house culture will suit you best.”

Ultimately, being clear about your motivations will not only help you choose the right role, but also enable you to communicate your value to potential employers and make a confident, informed career decision.

5. Tailor your CV

“Highlight any experience working directly with clients, product teams, or stakeholders,” Briona recommends. “Emphasise pragmatic problem-solving, not just legal analysis. If you’ve done a secondment, that’s great - but plenty of lawyers move successfully without one.”

Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of pure transactional work. Advisory elements and client-facing experience are important.  
 
Sector-specific experience is by no means essential, but is an even bigger tick in the box for employers and helps to reassure them that you will make the transition in-house more smoothly.

6. Expect a broader scope of work

“In-house roles often require jumping between commercial, regulatory, employment, data privacy, and more,” Briona notes. “Being open to learning across areas is key to success. If you prefer deep specialism, consider a larger legal team or a hybrid role.”

Employers really value business development or client-facing experience – you’ll be representing the legal division to the rest of the business, so communication skills are key.

7. Prioritise culture and team structure over company size

“Some in-house teams are robust with clear training pathways; others are lean and require more autonomy,” says Briona. “Ask about reporting lines, support structures, and expectations during interviews. The right environment matters more than the brand name.”

The legal teams we recruit for can be small, so hiring decisions often come down to personality fit rather than technical skills. While you shouldn’t change who you are, try to mirror the mood of the interviewer as much as possible.

8. Use recruiters and networks strategically

“Recruiters can help identify teams that match your personality and career goals,” Briona explains. “Many in-house roles never make it to job boards, so networking really matters. Speaking with lawyers who’ve already moved in-house gives real insight into daily life.”

 
Moving in-house is a significant career step for any lawyer. By understanding the differences, focusing on commercial awareness, and seeking the right environment, you can set yourself up for success.  
 
For tailored advice contact Briona Brogan and the Robert Walters Ireland legal recruitment team. Browse the latest in-house legal opportunities in Ireland today.