Working as an in-house counsel offers legal professionals a fresh perspective on the law. Instead of advising clients at a firm, you become part of a business—shaping legal decisions from the inside. If you're looking to step away from billable hours and dive into the heart of corporate strategy, then an In house counsel jobs in the UK legal role might be the perfect fit.
At The Legists, we work closely with companies across the UK to place talented lawyers into rewarding in-house counsel positions. Whether you’re newly qualified or a seasoned solicitor looking to pivot, this guide walks you through everything you need to know: the role, career prospects, skills, and how to land the job.
What Does an In-House Counsel Do?
An in-house counsel provides legal support exclusively for one organisation. You’re not juggling multiple clients—you’re part of the business, helping it navigate contracts, compliance, risk, employment law, intellectual property, and more.
The work varies daily. One moment, you might review a supplier agreement. The next, you could advise on GDPR compliance or a new regulatory change. Because you're inside the business, you gain a deeper understanding of how decisions get made and how legal advice affects operations.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical responsibilities:
- Drafting and reviewing commercial contracts
- Advising on employment and HR issues
- Managing litigation or external counsel relationships
- Monitoring compliance with regulations
- Protecting intellectual property
- Advising on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance
- Supporting internal stakeholders (finance, HR, procurement, C-suite)
Clearly, the role demands a versatile mindset. But it also creates space to influence business decisions—not just react to them.
Where You Can Work as In-House Counsel
In-house legal teams exist in almost every industry. Companies of all sizes, from startups to global corporations, need internal legal expertise. So, your options are broad. Here are some sectors where in-house roles are particularly common:
Financial Services
Banks, fintechs, and insurance firms constantly deal with regulations. Their legal teams ensure compliance, manage risk, and negotiate high-value contracts.
Tech and Media
Startups and media agencies often need lawyers who understand IP law, digital regulations, and fast-paced commercial transactions.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Regulatory compliance, research agreements, and product liability are just a few key areas for in-house legal teams in this sector.
Retail and E-Commerce
These businesses handle supply chains, customer data, and employment issues—all requiring strong legal oversight.
Manufacturing and Construction
Here, in-house counsel often manage complex contracts, health and safety compliance, and environmental issues.
If you prefer working in a specific sector or want to align your legal skills with a business you’re passionate about, in-house roles give you that opportunity.
Why Many Lawyers Move In-House
You might ask, “Why do so many solicitors leave private practice to go in-house?”
Here are a few compelling reasons:
Better Work-Life Balance
Although in-house roles still demand dedication, they often involve more structured hours compared to private practice. Say goodbye to billing 2,000+ hours per year.
Deeper Business Involvement
You don’t just advise—you help shape strategies and long-term goals. You become a trusted voice in the boardroom.
Broader Legal Exposure
Instead of specialising narrowly, many in-house roles let you handle varied legal issues. That makes the work more dynamic and intellectually rewarding.
No Need to Chase Clients
Forget rainmaking and constant business development. In-house teams focus on internal value—not external sales.
For these reasons, many solicitors make the leap within 2–5 years of qualifying. But others choose the in-house path from the start—and that’s becoming increasingly common.
What Employers Expect from In-House Counsel
In-house lawyers must combine legal expertise with commercial awareness. They need to understand risk but also know when to say “yes” in a way that supports business objectives.
So, employers want more than just technical knowledge. Here’s what really matters:
Commercial Acumen
You must understand how your advice affects sales, strategy, operations, and finance. Legal guidance should enable—not block—the business.
Clear Communication
Stakeholders aren’t lawyers. You’ll need to explain complex legal issues in simple, actionable language.
Decision-Making Skills
You won't always have the luxury of extensive research time. Make confident, well-reasoned decisions quickly.
Collaboration
You’ll work closely with non-legal departments—HR, procurement, finance, marketing. Strong teamwork makes all the difference.
Adaptability
Each day brings new challenges. Whether it’s a sudden compliance issue or an urgent contract, flexibility keeps you on top.
How to Transition from Private Practice
If you currently work at a law firm and want to switch to an in-house role, you’re not alone. Thousands of lawyers follow this path every year. Here's how to do it effectively:
Start with Industry Focus
If you often advise clients in one industry, target in-house roles in that same space. You’ll already know the regulations and challenges.
Emphasise Commercial Mindset
On your CV and in interviews, highlight how your legal advice supported business outcomes. Talk about risk management, not just legal compliance.
Show You’re a Team Player
In law firms, legal work takes centre stage. In-house, it supports wider business goals. Show that you’re ready to be part of a cross-functional team.
Building a Winning CV for In-House Counsel Jobs
Your CV needs to reflect your ability to think beyond the law. Don’t just list responsibilities—focus on results.
Tips for a Strong CV
- Start with a sharp summary: “Commercial solicitor with 4+ years’ experience advising tech clients on IP and data law. Seeking to bring business-focused legal insight in-house.”
- Highlight business outcomes: “Drafted service agreements that reduced legal disputes by 40%.”
- Include cross-functional projects: Show collaboration with finance, HR, or compliance teams.
- Mention industry knowledge: If you understand a sector deeply, that’s a major asset.
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should tell a story. Why do you want to go in-house? Why that company? How do your skills match their business?
A Simple Format That Works
- Open with purpose: Mention the role and your current position.
- Explain your move: Share why you want to shift from private practice to in-house.
- Match their needs: Talk about their products, services, or legal challenges—and how you can help.
- Close with confidence: Make yourself available for a conversation and show enthusiasm.
Interview Preparation for In-House Roles
You should prepare to answer more business-driven questions compared to private practice interviews. Employers want to know how you think and how you operate under pressure.
Questions You’ll Likely Hear
- “How do you balance legal risk with commercial needs?”
- “Tell me about a time you influenced a non-legal stakeholder.”
- “What would you do if a department ignored your legal advice?”
How to Impress
- Use real examples. Show how you helped a client make a key business decision.
- Demonstrate business knowledge. Know their sector, products, and recent developments.
- Ask insightful questions, such as:
- “How does the legal team collaborate with operations or finance?”
- “What are the company’s biggest legal challenges this year?”
Salary Expectations and Career Growth
Let’s talk numbers. In-house roles often offer competitive pay, especially in sectors like tech, banking, and pharmaceuticals.
UK In-House Legal Salaries (2025 Estimates):
- Newly Qualified Solicitor: £50k–£70k
- Legal Counsel (2–5 years PQE): £70k–£100k
- Senior Legal Counsel: £90k–£130k
- Head of Legal / General Counsel: £120k–£250k+
Bonuses, equity, and other perks can make these roles even more attractive—especially in startups or high-growth companies.
Career Progression
Here’s how your journey might look:
- Legal Counsel / Junior In-House Lawyer
- Senior Legal Counsel
- Head of Legal / Lead Counsel
- General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer
Some professionals even move into executive roles like Chief Operating Officer, thanks to their deep understanding of risk and strategy.
Where to Find In-House Counsel Jobs in the UK
You have several great options:
- Specialist legal recruiters: At The Legists, we work with top employers across multiple sectors.
- LinkedIn Jobs: Set alerts for specific industries or titles.
- In-house job boards: Use platforms like TotallyLegal, Law Gazette Jobs, and LegalWeek.
- Company career pages: Large companies often post roles directly.
- Networking: Join in-house legal groups like the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).
Staying proactive and building connections gives you an edge over other candidates.
Final Tips from The Legists
Before we wrap up, here’s some practical advice straight from our consultants:
- Tailor every application—especially your CV summary and cover letter.
- Stay commercially curious—read industry news, follow company reports, and understand market challenges.
- Practice storytelling—interviewers want to hear your real-world impact.
- Keep developing—attend legal webinars, learn about tech and compliance tools, and build your business fluency.
Final Thoughts
In-house counsel jobs offer lawyers a unique blend of law, business, and strategy. You get to influence decisions, work across teams, and grow as a well-rounded professional. Whether you’re moving from private practice or starting fresh after qualifying, the in-house route opens exciting doors.
At The Legists, we don’t just match you to a role—we help you build a fulfilling legal career. Get in touch today and let’s start your in-house journey.
