In-house lawyers have a high degree of job satisfaction, according to a recent survey conducted by an international legal recruiter.
70% of respondents to the Mahlab 2010 legal corporate survey said they were either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their jobs. Of the 30% respondents who said they have considered leaving their current job, the majority said they will nevertheless remain in-house.
Ben Cooper, vice president of CML Recruitment, said that the nature and work culture of in-house departments is what attracts and keeps lawyers in this area, as well as better hours and working conditions. “In-house lawyers are more involved in the business side of a company rather than advising that company just on the law,” he said. “Advising companies on risk rather than just the law provides a wider range of work for in-house lawyers, but it also means that they will need a more generalist business and legal knowledge.”
Private practice lawyers looking to go in-house can often expect a 10 % cut in salary, however, if joining a financial services business they can expect to receive a larger proportion of their remuneration in the form of bonuses, said Cooper. The trade-off is shorter working hours, more flexible work plans and a better work/life balance, as well as better overall working conditions.
A female in-house lawyer ALB spoke to agrees. “The in-house environment is friendlier and people in the team and company are more accommodating, largely because your main role is reporting, consulting and advising on business rather than transactions,” she said. “You can do anything from managing litigation and overseeing projects to clearing publication content for liability.”
And because in-house lawyers do different types of work under different time frames, the pressure and stress of in-house roles can be less. “I found there to be more challenging and stimulating working in private practice, but the hours were much longer and the environment much more aggressive,” she said.
As an in-house lawyer, the lawyer works an average eight-hour day, sometimes finishing at 4pm, with the choice of taking a one-or two-hour lunch, depending on work flow. She notes that she does on occasions work late, but not as often as in private practice.
There are over 180 in-house roles in Singapore and Hong Kong currently listed on legaljobscentre.com
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