A trusted friend: The challenges and opportunities working in-house

After nearly a year as Convener of the In-house Lawyers Committee (ILC) and on the back of a successful In-house Annual Conference, Anne Stewart reflects on choosing the in-house path and how it is changing.

Working in-house is something I feel very passionate about. The in-house legal function has such an important part to play in the success of an organisation, contributing to well run, well governed operations but so much more than that; the trusted colleague who can help find pragmatic solutions, the steady pair of hands in a crisis…

Although I completed the public administration course as part of my Diploma, like many students I didn’t realise there were trainee opportunities in-house. I began in private practice—first with a large regional firm, then in commercial property at a larger firm—but I knew it wasn’t giving me the career satisfaction I was looking for.

So, I took the plunge, moved back to where I grew up to work for the local authority. I never regretted that move and stayed for 18 years. Working and living in the same community was deeply rewarding, and one of my proudest moments was seeing my children attend the high school I’d help deliver by providing legal support to the construction project. It was a tangible reminder that even a small contribution can help a wider team deliver real services to people’s lives. I had found a career with purpose.

After 18 years, I decided it was time for a change and moved to the Scottish Social Services Council (the regulator for the social work, social care and children and young people workforce in Scotland), where I’ve been Head of Legal and Corporate Services for the past five years. Staying in-house and in the public sector mattered to me and I work for an organisation whose core function is to protect the public.

I imagine most working in-house will say the same, no matter the role one thing is constant: no day is ever the same. In-house lawyers will not only provide legal advice on statutory functions or business operations, but also on ESG matters and risk or be involved in project management. There are often ample opportunities to contribute to the strategic direction of an organisation, with lawyers being well-placed to make that contribution. As in-house solicitors, we can play a vital role in spotting risks early and suggesting workable solutions to help your colleagues achieve their aims. And when there are issues, whether operational, conduct-related, or reputational, the in-house lawyer is there —bringing calm, structure, and advice to the response.

What I love about working in-house is being seen as the trusted friend to your colleagues. When you know you’ve played a part in helping them to deliver on outcomes that are legal, effective and correspond to your organisation’s values.

And yes, there are challenges working in-house. Whatever the sector, many of us are grappling with similar themes, such as getting to grips with AI, responding to increasing governance requirements, and navigating budget pressures.

Reflecting on our recent conference, I think there are two particular challenges for those working in-house. The first is professional independence and ethics. Maintaining independence is not about being obstructive; it’s about being willing to say, “This needs a different approach,” and being supported when you do. The second is wellbeing and workload. A culture where you’re always-on, complex stakeholder management, and competing priorities can make it difficult to take the right amount of time to formulate your advice, take leave properly, or switch off.

Alongside those challenges, there are other changes to navigate. Developing the responsible use of AI will change how legal teams work and with the scrutiny on legal spend, there is a continual requirement or expectation to demonstrate the value an in-house function brings to the organisation or business.

I do hope that despite these challenges, most of you feel like me, it is a valued and professionally satisfying career choice.

The Law Society of Scotland along with the ILC, is keen to understand what more we can do to support the in-house community. In just a few weeks we will be asking you to complete a survey for us to build a clearer picture of the in-house legal community, celebrate what’s working well, and focus our efforts on the areas that need support.

With the in-house community going from strength-to-strength as it makes up more than 28% of the total number of Scottish solicitors with practising certificates, it has never been more important to check-in and see how you are doing, both individually and collectively.