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For many attorneys, the idea of leaving BigLaw for an in-house position sounds like a dream—lighter hours, less stress, and more control. But experts caution: the reality doesn’t always match the hype.
Read more from this guide: What it’s Really Like as an In-House Attorney: Don’t believe Everything You’ve heard
🔑 What Attorneys Should Know
- Hours May Not Shrink: Billable targets disappear, but long days and heavy caseloads often take their place.
- Returning to BigLaw Isn’t Easy: Firms sometimes view in-house experience as a career detour, not an asset.
- Routine Over High-Profile Work: The most complex matters often stay with outside counsel, leaving in-house teams with compliance and risk management.
- Pay Gaps Exist: Compensation packages trail top law firm salaries, with bonuses often unpredictable.
- Job Security Isn’t Guaranteed: In downturns, in-house lawyers are overhead, not revenue drivers—making them vulnerable.
⚖️ The Other Side of the Story
Not all is negative. In-house roles give attorneys a front-row seat to business strategy and decision-making. They also provide broader exposure to corporate operations and the chance to shape outcomes early rather than react later.
Before you trade BigLaw for corporate life, get the facts—read the full breakdown now. What it’s Really Like as an In-House Attorney: Don’t believe Everything You’ve heard
