Going In-House After BigLaw

Going in-house is the most common exit from BigLaw. About 40-50% of associates who leave end up at a company rather than another firm. The appeal is obvious: better hours, more predictable schedules, and the chance to be a business advisor rather than a service provider. But the transition is not automatic, and the reality does not always match the fantasy.

When to make the move

Most in-house roles want three to five years of BigLaw experience. Less than that and you may not have developed enough expertise to be useful. More than six or seven years and you may be overqualified (and overpriced) for many positions.

The sweet spot is year four or five. You have enough experience to add value immediately, you are not yet priced at senior associate levels, and companies are eager to hire you.

What it pays

In-house salaries vary widely depending on the company, industry, and location:

• Mid-level at a Fortune 500: $150,000-$250,000 base plus bonus
• Senior counsel at a tech company: $200,000-$350,000 base plus equity
• General counsel at a startup: $150,000-$250,000 base plus significant equity
• Deputy GC or associate GC: $250,000-$500,000 at large companies

You will almost certainly take a pay cut from BigLaw. But the hourly rate comparison often favors in-house when you factor in the hours difference.

What the work is like

In-house lawyers are generalists by necessity. Instead of deep expertise in one narrow area, you will:

• Review and negotiate contracts across multiple areas
• Advise business teams on legal risk and compliance
• Manage outside counsel (your former BigLaw colleagues)
• Handle employment, IP, regulatory, and corporate governance matters
• Be part of business decisions in a way BigLaw associates rarely are

The work is broader and more practical. You trade the intellectual depth of BigLaw for the breadth and business integration of being inside the company.

How to position yourself

Companies hire in-house counsel who understand their industry. If you want to go in-house at a tech company, build experience advising tech clients at your firm. If you want to go in-house in finance, work on financial services matters.

The transition is easier from firms that are known for training in your target area. Browse the firm directory to see which firms have strong practices in the industries you are interested in.

Networking matters. Many in-house roles are filled through connections rather than job postings. Build relationships with in-house lawyers at your firm's clients and attend industry events.