Ab Initio
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1. What are the benefits of working within an in-house legal team?
Working in-house allows you to really get to know your client, and to advise in a wider commercial capacity than simply being a legal expert. There is also the benefit when working somewhere like Kingston University, that you are a part of an organisation working towards an important goal ie furthering education, rather than simply increasing profits (as in private practice).
The career path is rather different. Although in-house teams may look for a range of paralegals, legal executives, and solicitors of various PQE, there may be less room for progression within a given organisation. However, there are an increasing number of in-house roles and challenges available. Working in-house may also allow you to develop skills and expertise beyond the traditional legal ones.
I read a comment in the Gazette today that private practice does not always operate as a meritocracy, whereas in-house you are judged on your results, and I do agree with that. In-house you can see a job through to the end, and be pleased that it is well done, rather than be concerned primarily with billable hours.
2. Are in-house recruitment processes similar to the ones found at law firms?
Kingston was the only in-house application I have made, but I think the process are a little different, in that recruiters are looking more to see that your attitude and approach fit with that organisation, and how you would work with non-lawyers. It may well be that you are interviewed by non-lawyers, so that in itself is quite different. The process at KU was an interview by senior management and a presentation to comment on a provided set of terms and conditions. That allowed the panel to judge how good I would be at communicating with their colleagues, and how practical my advice would be.
3. What do you look for in a candidate?
Enthusiasm for the role is number one for me. You can’t beat someone who genuinely finds the role an interesting challenge, and has tailored their application properly, and done their research. What I am not looking for is arrogance; confidence yes, but be careful not to stray over the line!
I am also looking for people who can communicate legal matters very clearly, and with an awareness of the pressure their colleagues are under. For example, for a busy academic applying for research funding, they want practical advice as to the ‘deal breakers’ in their contracts, and may only receive the paperwork at the last minute. They don’t want us to pull apart every little detailed issue if the end goal justifies a ‘light touch’ review and the deadline is approaching. That said, one of the skills every in-house lawyer should have, is knowing when to stand firm and not allow matters to progress when there is a significant risk that needs to be addressed first.
4. How can a candidate demonstrate commercial awareness?
I think that depends on your background. If you’re coming from private practice then it would be showing how your advice to clients went beyond the ‘straight’ legal advice, and took the client’s particular situation into account. For someone with limited work experience, I would say the best thing would be to do your research as to the organisation you’re applying to and the sector it’s in. Show that you are aware of the commercial pressures they are facing, and ask questions appropriately. For example, the higher education sector is currently subject to more financial pressures than ever before, and there has been a lot in the news recently about rising student complaints and also visa issues. Ask how the organisation has been impacted by that, and how it is addressing those issues.
5. What are the most important skills that a candidate should demonstrate in their application and interview?
The ability to communicate to a wide range of people would be key for me, and to give practical advice. Rather than simply pointing out every issue, can the candidate be constructive, and suggest solutions rather than just pointing out problems?
Also as I mentioned above, do your research. Show your enthusiasm for the role and that you have tailored your application to that employer – don’t just cut and paste from application to application.
6. What recommendations would you make to law students pursuing a legal career?
I would say be open to anything. Don’t think that City work is the be all end all, and don’t think that your background dictates your future. If you have enough passion and enthusiasm, you will find your place, but it may well not be where you thought it would be!
Kate Allan | Head of Legal Services | Kingston University
Why not consider working for an in-house legal team?