Who is most likely going to get an in-house job in the Bay Area?

The odds of going in-house increase with the number of items a candidate can check off:

1. Excellent law school. Grads from the leading schools are at the top of the heap, especially when combined with #2 (training at an AmLaw firm).
2. Top law firm.  If you didn’t go to the best law school, employers may still consider you if you trained in a relevant space at a leading firm, ideally headquartered locally.
3. Years of experience. Employers want in-house counsel that are already trained or at least have a track record of success. As a result, very junior lawyers are not usually considered. Nor are very senior lawyers typically considered because the hierarchy in-house is quite flat, and employers don’t want to hire at the top of the pay scale or experience required.
4. Prior in-house experience. The most typical candidate I am requested to find is someone who graduated from a good school, trained at a good firm at least 3 years, and is currently in-house. Employers recognize law firm lawyers face a steep learning curve going in-house — they have to learn how to evaluate risk, understand the business/company priorities, and earn the respect of clients. As a result, employers want people with that learning behind them.
5. Relevant degree/experience. Employers want to hire lawyers who already understand their space and have the requisite legal skills needed.

I will discuss in a future blog ways to stay competitive even if you don’t meet some of the items above.