'It's a boring 9-5 job' — Myths and misconceptions about the work of Scotland's in-house solicitors

Whether it's about long lunches and early finishes, or a lifetime of rinse and repeat NDAs, the legal profession at large is guilty of misunderstanding just what general counsel does.

We spoke, anonymously, to many solicitors across Scotland who work in-house to hear what myths and misconceptions they're regularly faced with, and how to put them to rest.

1) The work is not the same

The variety of work is often underestimated by those who haven’t worked in-house. Every day can be different and bring with it new challenges.

2) The work is not boring

One myth is the job is boring, the same every day and you’re just a NDA-machine – working in-house honestly is incredibly varied, interesting and makes you such a well-rounded adaptable lawyer.

3) I am not wasting my career

I was told it was a waste of my talents moving from private practice to in-house. I think that has been a common myth which I would like to think is not as prevalent now.

4) It isn't a cushy 9-5 gig

That it is a 9-5 job. Organisations (if they ever did!) no longer operate in this way and if anything, since the covid pandemic, there is ongoing demand to be available so much more of the time.

In the public sector, a continuing focus on doing more with less, given budgetary constraints, is difficult but also offers an opportunity to provide more creative solutions, including harnessing the power of technology.

5) I am not a pushover

In house lawyers are pushovers who cave into their clients because of self-interest. This does a disservice to your clients and to you! Your clients want to surface challenges, they understand risk management and legal risks are no different.

They will look to you for solutions to those risks – and it’s really rewarding to provide them. Plus working with a range of professions is conducive to problem solving.

6) I have not taken the easy option

Both internally amongst colleagues and externally perceived by others, that somehow you are not as skilled or knowledgeable as someone in private practice as you have taken a soft or easy option - instead of just being considered on an equal basis.

7) It is not one size fits all

In-house opportunities are broader than you think. In-house roles include working for businesses providing legal advice to the business but also public sector roles where you can experience the “traditional” type of legal experience where the purpose of the organisation is the delivery of a legal role – e.g. COPFS.

8) It is not less stressful

One myth is that an in-house role is less stressful than private practice. The stresses are different but they definitely exist for in-house lawyers and they are often felt more acutely because they are so much more real!

9) I am not an idiot

That in-house lawyers are not as clever or skilled as private practice lawyers.  I’ve experienced many occasions where in-house lawyers have picked up mistakes or incorrect advice from external lawyers or where they have found innovative solutions which external firms could not find.