Transitioning your legal career from an in-house role to private practice can be a rewarding move that offers new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. While the two environments have distinct characteristics, your skills and experience gained in-house can be valuable assets in a law firm setting.

What are the differences between working in-house and in private practice?

There are several reasons why you may consider making the move from in-house to private practice. For some it’s because they want to focus on a certain area of the legal profession, for others it is to work towards different targets which private roles can provide.

Become a specialist

Working within private practice gives people the ability to become an expert in a particular area of law.

Promotions

A career in a legal private practice can offer a clear and structured promotional pathway. The teams are often bigger and there are different levels of management and seniority, which can be attractive to legal professionals looking to progress.

Variety of clients

Private practice roles offer legal professionals the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, meaning that you must have the ability to adapt and change your approaches.

If you are working in-house, you are working for the company that employs you, and are therefore providing legal services to one client.

Salary

Despite jobs in private practice sometimes initially offering lower salaries than their in-house counterparts, they do tend to rise steadily as you gain experience and progress your career, especially when it comes to the partnership roles.

Key steps to help with the transition

While the two environments have distinct characteristics, your skills and experience gained in-house can be valuable assets in a law firm setting. Here’s a guide to successfully navigate this transition:

1. Assess your reasons for moving

• Do you want more variety in your work?
• Are you looking for career progression or higher earning potential?
• Do you prefer a client-facing role?

2. Identify transferable skills

• Commercial awareness: Your in-house experience gives you a deep understanding of business needs, which law firms value
• Stakeholder management: Your ability to work with different departments translates well to managing clients
• Specialist knowledge: If you’ve specialised (e.g., employment, corporate, regulatory law), highlight this when applying.

3. Review your CV & LinkedIn profile

• Emphasise business acumen, negotiation skills, and legal expertise
• Highlight any private practice-style work you’ve done.

4. Network and leverage recruiters

• Reach out to recruiters specialising in legal placements
• Connect with former in-house colleagues who made the switch
• Attend industry events to network with law firm partners.

5. Highlight your commercial acumen

• In-house experience often involves understanding business operations and providing legal guidance within a commercial context. Highlight your ability to provide practical legal advice that aligns with clients’ business objectives.

6. Prepare for interviews

• Be ready to explain why you’re moving and how your in-house experience benefits the firm
• Demonstrate how you can attract and retain clients, even if you don’t have a client book yet
• Be clear on your willingness to adapt to billable hours, other financial targets and firm culture

7. Embrace learning

• Be open to the learning curve of private practice. Familiarise yourself with law firm procedures, billing practices, and case management tools.

8. Stay current

• Keep up with legal trends and changes in your practice area. Continuous learning will enhance your value as a private practice solicitor.

Transitioning from in-house to private practice requires thoughtful planning and a willingness to adapt. Your in-house experience equips you with a unique perspective that can set you apart in a law firm setting. By showcasing your skills, embracing new challenges, and cultivating a strong network, you can successfully make the switch and thrive in your new legal career path.

If you would like to discuss this in more detail please get in touch with our CEIAG Coordinator at CEIAGCoordinator@damartraining.com.