Let us say that you got an in-house job for the new year. First, congratulations, these gigs are hard to come by. Now what do you do? If you are like most in-house folks you have joined a small department of five attorneys or less. You may in fact be the only attorney, or the first in-house counsel hired by your company. Let’s make it a bit easier going, let’s say it’s a small law department. Thus, you’ll likely not have to invent the wheel and fix an overwhelming amount of issues that exist because there’s never been anyone looking out for the company internally.
As with any new job, take a few days to really understand the lay of the land. Try to assess what are the most pressing needs and go after those first. The lack of an employee handbook can be an ongoing project, as the litigation interrogatories that are overdue should take precedence. Give yourself time to triage your new position and its accompanying duties. Spend time with the GC and ensure that her expectations for you are clear, and of course, attend to those before all else.
I always advise joining ACC and getting on the New to In House Committee. The price of an annual membership will more than pay for itself once you master their website and learn where to find the documents, message groups, and other helpful items that you’re likely to need. It really is amazing to post a question to the message board and receive helpful answers from around the country. If your department can afford the expense, attending ACC’s weekend-long Corporate Counsel University can be invaluable for new in-housers. Though you may have been practicing for some time, CCU covers topics such as contract negotiations through an in-house lens.
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Once you have your feet under you, start to examine the documents that you will handle most often. Usually these have been recycled so many times that you can find ways to streamline the “way things are done.” Of course, watch out for politics and stepping on others’ toes, but finding better ways for the business units to work through the OGC can only benefit the company, and can make you look good. After all, you need to remember you are now a cost center and not a revenue builder. Showing the CEO that bringing you on has a benefit can quickly pay for your compensation package.
After some time, and when you’re ready, start to enjoy your new position. There are no more billing requirements, ever. Say that to yourself at least once a day as you get through your work. No. Billing. Quite frankly, that can be one of the most refreshing aspects of in-house work. Also enjoy the autonomy. You are being asked to practice once again. No more rehashing the same old motion papers, or due diligence documents. You will be asked to give real-time advice. You will be looked upon to provide good counsel. You will have the opportunity to prove to yourself that you have the chops to practice in-house. Congratulations.