In-House Counsel

Why I Do This?

Believe me, it’s not the money, nor the notoriety (or infamy).

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I received two emails this week that I would like to mention. One arrived the day after my last column, with no real contact information. It simply said, “thanks for the article, it came at a good time.” If you recall, last week’s column focused on the “chopping block” and some strategies to pursue if you find yourself in that situation. The email was short and sweet, but it gave me pause; the person who wrote it was clearly in a bad spot, and the column helped in some small way. The second email arrived in my Gmail this morning, and asked for advice in transitioning in-house, presumably from a law firm. Over the years that I have been writing this column, I have received literally hundreds of emails of the same ilk; law firm associates looking for some sort of key that I can offer to help them jump from the madness of billable hours, to in-house work. I don’t always have extensive answers, but I do answer every single email with at least some bit of advice or encouragement; hopefully, some of it has proved valuable.

And that’s why I do this. Believe me, it’s not the money, nor the notoriety (or infamy). It’s because I was once in shoes that many of you fill right now.

I went to law school hoping to change the world for the better — and quickly disavowed myself of any altruistic intentions in my personal statement once the loan bills started to arrive. I learned from that experience, and I am happy to opine on things I would do or not do if I could do it over. Then, it was on to Biglaw and a host of anecdotes and lessons on ways to navigate the insidious pyramid scheme of a large law firm. That led to two federal clerkships, each very different from the other. Clerking gave me insight into the ways of the federal judiciary, and the benefits and abuses that can come from having a lifetime appointment, as well as the desire to one day hold such a job. Then, back to a law firm as a senior associate. Only to be informed after a few years that partnership wasn’t in the cards for me. So, I got to experience the depression, anxiety and difficulties of a nine month long job search. Finally, I landed very softly in my current position literally across the street from that firm.

I have learned so much here about corporate law practice, and the ins and outs of in-house life. Does all this experience make me a guru of sorts? Not at all. As someone wise once told me, we are all on this path, I just happen to be further down this path than you.

So, the blurb in my bio about speaking at schools is sincere, as is my desire to hear from you at the Gmail account. I am far from the most accomplished attorney in the room, nor the smartest (usually), but I do this because I have been in so many places common to many of you readers. I appreciate kind words just as much as the next person, and honestly, there have been times that the comments that follow these columns have made me a better writer. But mostly, I do it because of the folks that write in asking for help. Practicing law can be a venture that many of us might not take on were we given the chance of time travel. But there can be rewards along the way, and I very much appreciate the opportunity to make your way in this profession a little bit easier, if possible. Thanks for reading, commenting, and writing.

Earlier: When Your Career Is On The Chopping Block

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David Mowry is Senior Counsel to a large technology company. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the company’s position or opinion on issues raised herein.

David is a former litigator, two time federal clerk, and former Chair of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s New to In House Committee, and is available for speaking engagements. If interested, you may reach him at dmowry00@gmail.com.

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