Career Management, Career Tips, Inhouse, Networking, Reference

Will you get back-channeled by prospective employers before you get hired? Spoiler alert: yes

On June 13, 2026

WSJ says “What your former co-workers think of you could land you a job or torpedo your chances.” Is this true? Absolutely. Employers often look beyond your list of references and reach out to shared connections to find out what you are like to work with. Why are employers back-channeling candidates now? WSJ lists a […]

Career Management, Career Tips, Market

How likely will AI replace lawyers? It’s actually not that grim.

On May 16, 2026

I appreciate the analysis by 99helpers on how likely AI will displace lawyers. They rate the risk at “medium”: “some tasks will be automated but the role is likely to evolve rather than disappear.” I agree with its logic. The bad (where lawyers are vulnerable): Task automation. Lawyers are vulnerable where AI can take over […]

Career Management, Mentors

5 McKinsey partner lessons that apply to lawyers

On April 11, 2026

Lawyers and management consultants share similarities: both advise on high-stakes matters in a client-service model. What can lawyers learn from go-getters who just made partner at McKinsey? This article talks to four new partners. I saw five recurring themes that apply to lawyers who are part of large teams and want to rise: Develop your […]

Career Management, Inhouse, Move

How risky is it to join a startup?

On March 7, 2026

Lawyers are risk-averse by nature; our job is to minimize risk. But the good news is if you join a startup that fails, “your career should be fine” per WSJ. A recent Yale and Cornell study of 2.2 million workers shows that while executives may be “tainted” by working at a company that failed, rank-and-file […]

Career Management, Networking

Applications to law school are up, but so are the risks

On January 24, 2026

These are extraordinary times, prompting law school applications to rise, but so is the risk, as reported by the New York Times today. Applications to law school shot up 44% from 2 years ago, and are up 17% this year alone. Why? Working as a lawyer can seem like a sure thing: “For decades, the […]

Career Management, Career Tips, Departure, Mentors

The Exception to the Adage “Don’t Make Too Many Moves”

On November 1, 2025

Hiring managers consistently prefer candidates who have grown their skills and tend to avoid candidates who have made multiple moves. But one bullet-proof answer to why you made those moves is you worked with a great manager who repeatedly asked you to come along. It shows you do good work and build strong connections. And […]

Career Management, Career Tips, Departure, Move

When to Walk Away

On October 18, 2025

As in-house counsel, you constantly assess risk, opportunity, and timelines for your company. But how often do you do it for yourself? Here are the highlights from NPR Life Kit’s podcast on “how to know when it’s time to walk away” so you can guide your own career. 1. Don’t stick with something “just because […]

Career Management, Career Tips

What to Do if You Didn’t Get the Promotion

On April 6, 2025

Getting passed over at work stings. A few years ago in-house lawyers could have their picks of other jobs because the market was so hot. Unfortunately that’s not the case now. WSJ reports job openings are down by 8.6% and the number of people quitting jobs is down 2.6% compared to last year, but gives […]

Career Management, Career Tips, Market

2025 Recruiting Take-Aways

On January 19, 2025

I spoke on AABA’s recent career panel addressing the Bay Area in-house market with talent acquisition experts Angela Cheung (ex Uber) and Herman Gee (Exelixis). Here are 5 takeaways: Pay for top in-house lawyers has generally been trending up, despite recent layoffs. This is in line with Levels.fyi’s report on tech/engineering comp. Compensation is made […]

Career Management, Career Tips

Will You Get Ahead by Working More?

On January 5, 2025

It’s a new year! If you are a junior lawyer, should you show your commitment by working the longest hours? I read this CNBC article on “showing up to work early and staying late won’t get you ahead” and what instead will. Does the advice apply to lawyers? The article argues working long hours to […]

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