The Pros and Cons of Attorneys Going In-House: When Is It the Right Decision?

Making the decision to go in-house as an attorney can be a difficult one. There are many pros and cons to consider, and it’s not always the right decision for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key factors you need to think about when making this decision. We’ll also look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of working in-house as an attorney.

Some of the key factors to consider when deciding whether or not to go in-house as an attorney include the type of law you practice, the size of the company you would be working for, the location of the company, the salary and benefits package, and the culture of the company.

Let’s talk about in-house attorney salaries for a moment. One of the biggest factors that attorneys consider when deciding whether or not to go in-house is money. Here are some important averages to consider:

• The average salary for an in-house counsel role is $150,000.00-$200,000.00.
• The market salary for a first-year is $205,000-$215,000.
• The average salary for a first-year within AmLaw 200 is $180,000-$200,000.00
• The average salary for small to mid-size firms for a first-year associate is $110,000-$150,000.00

As you can see, there is a significant difference in salary between in-house and private practice attorney jobs. However, it’s important to remember that salary is not the only factor to consider when making this decision. You also need to think about the other benefits and drawbacks of working in-house. Some of the benefits of working in-house include:

• Having a more stable job – In-house attorney jobs are often more stable than private practice attorney jobs. This is because in-house attorney positions are not as reliant on the ebbs and flows of the economy.
• Working regular hours – In-house attorneys typically work regular hours, whereas private practice attorneys often have to work long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Having a better work/life balance – In-house attorney jobs often offer a better work/life balance than private practice attorney jobs. This is because in-house attorneys typically have more regular hours and are not required to put in the same number of billable hours as private practice attorneys.
• Receiving more paid vacation days – In-house attorney jobs often come with more paid vacation days than private practice attorney jobs. This is because in-house attorneys are not required to take as many CLE courses and can often negotiate for more vacation time when they are hired.

Some of the drawbacks of working in-house include:

• Making less money – As we saw from the salary averages above, in-house attorney jobs often pay less than private practice attorney jobs.
• Working for a single client – In-house attorneys typically only work for one client (i.e. the company they work for), whereas private practice attorneys often work for multiple clients.
• Having less job security – In-house attorney jobs often have less job security than private practice attorney jobs. This is because in-house attorney positions are more likely to be eliminated during times of economic hardship.

Working in-house has both advantages and disadvantages. There are several benefits that come with working in-house, but there are also significant drawbacks. In the end, it is a personal choice. If you decide to work in-house, we recommend having at least five years of expertise under your belt before considering in-house jobs. As a sixth-year associate, you will have a lot of real-world experience to offer. Should you decide to make a lateral move, Vine Attorney Search is ready to share new opportunities to help you reach your career goals. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more.