If you’ve been in private practice for a while, chances are you’ve heard it – maybe from peers, maybe just in passing: “I’m thinking of going in-house.”

It’s a phrase that’s become more than just a career choice. For some, it’s a status update. For others, it’s the holy grail of work-life balance and commercial alignment. But with a growing number of lawyers making the move – and just as many quietly reconsidering it – the in-house route deserves a more honest conversation.

Let’s break it down.

The Demand is Real – And Growing

We’re seeing record-high demand for in-house legal professionals. In 2024 alone, in-house legal hiring rose by over 20% globally, according to Thomson Reuters. General Counsel roles are opening up not just in established FTSE 100 firms but also in startups, scaleups, and fast-growth unicorns where legal is finally being seen as a strategic partner rather than a cost centre.

What’s fuelling the boom?

• Increased regulation across tech, finance, ESG, and data privacy.
• Startups maturing into businesses that require legal leadership.
• Boards and investors wanting in-house expertise close to the decision-makers.

It’s no longer just about “moving client-side.” Legal is now embedded in product launches, risk frameworks, IP strategy, and M&A deals. The remit is broader, and the opportunities feel endless. But broader doesn’t always mean better.

Is It Always What It’s Cracked Up To Be?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: in-house life doesn’t always deliver on the promise of balance, influence, or variety.
Many lawyers are sold on the idea of:

• Shorter hours
• Greater autonomy
• A seat at the commercial table

But here’s what you might not be told:

1. You’re the only lawyer in the room (at least at first). That means doing everything: NDAs, contract redlines, policy drafting, litigation advice, board presentations – often with limited internal support or precedent.
2. There’s no clear promotion path. In law firms, you know what the next step is. In-house, the path can be murkier – especially in companies where legal isn’t fully integrated or valued.
3. Your technical edge may dull. Without regular technical training or the ability to benchmark against peers, some in-house lawyers find themselves falling behind in black-letter law, particularly in more niche areas.
4. Work-life balance? In some roles, yes. But if you’re in a scale-up headed for IPO or acquisition, expect intense hours, rapid pivots, and commercial pressures that rival even the toughest private practice teams.

What to Consider Before Moving In-House

Here’s the strategic bit – the questions you need to ask before accepting that shiny in-house offer:

• Why now? Are you moving towards something (growth, learning, impact) or just trying to escape the current grind?
• What’s the long-term play? Are you okay with stepping off the equity partner path? How will this move set you up for the next 5–10 years?
• Is the business model stable? Joining a company with high burn and no profit plan might be exciting – but could be short-lived.
• Do you like being a generalist? Because that’s often what you’ll need to become – nimble, adaptable, and across a huge breadth of legal and business issues.

And crucially:

• What’s the GC’s seat at the table like? Are they influencing strategy or just cleaning up legal risk after decisions have already been made?

In-House Isn’t a Shortcut – It’s a Strategy

Done well, an in-house move can be transformational. It can give you business fluency, a bigger-picture lens, and a new way to define success. Many lawyers never look back – and some go on to become powerhouse GCs, CEOs, or founders in their own right.

But it’s not a default next step. It’s not an easy out. And it shouldn’t be romanticised without context.

If you’re considering the move, make sure it’s part of your long-term strategy – not a reaction to short-term frustration.

Because once you’re in, going back isn’t always easy. Firms may question your commitment to private practice. Your CV might suggest you’re no longer a fee earner. And rebuilding your BD profile can take time.

To Sum Up…

In-house is no longer a “plan B.” It’s a strong, competitive, and valuable career path in its own right – but only if it aligns with your personal and professional goals.

So pause. Reflect. And ask yourself the tough questions.

Not just “What am I running from?” but “What am I building towards?”

We find a lot of people are just running from private practice and it may just be they are with the wrong firm.

Want to sense-check your move before you make it? Track has helped dozens of lawyers navigate this transition – honestly, confidentially, and strategically. Get in touch if you want to chat through your options.