Top Ten Tips for Succeeding In-House

Stacy Bratcher and M.C. Sungaila recently shared the top insights from their podcasts on succeeding in a career as an in-house attorney. Bratcher, general counsel of Cottage Health, hosts The Legal Department podcast and Sungaila, partner at Complex Appellate Litigation Group, hosts The Portia Project. Their top ten tips include:

Seek out Opportunities to “Be with the Business.” Most departments in a company have staff meetings or other recurring meetings where they discuss priorities, strategies, and pain points. Ask to join these meetings.  

Come with a “Curiosity First” Mindset. Issue spotting is fundamental for lawyers.  When we identify an issue or risk that the business can proactively address, we are at our best.  But too often we lead by identifying all of the flaws, warts or problems with someone’s idea.  Practice an open, “curiosity first” mindset. 

Make it a Priority to Develop Your Team. Former in-house counsel, now executive coach Sheila Murphy described on The Portia Project® podcast how the ability to manage talent and develop your team’s abilities is critical to being promoted in-house. She explained: “Depending on the year, twenty percent to forty percent of my bonus could depend on the talent I developed.” 

Seek Out Stretch Projects. On the Portia Project® podcast, Ann Kappler, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer of Prudential Financial, noted that broadening “your experience is very important,” as is understanding the business, and developing leadership skills. Good leaders may be outside the legal department; seek them out and learn from them. 

Are you interested in learning more tips about working in an in-house legal department?  Read more in this law.com article.