Feeling Lost? Finding Your Purpose In-house
One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) things about being an in-house lawyer is just how varied the work can be. No two days are the same. One moment you’re knee-deep in contracts, the next you’re advising on compliance, managing a dispute or helping the business make a bold strategic move. The breadth of the role opens doors to so many possibilities, whether that be strictly legal or merged with commercial, operational or leadership elements.
Despite the many choices we have, in today’s modern age, it is becoming increasingly common that people are feeling misaligned with their corporate careers. We seem to be searching for something more from our roles, but are feeling conflicted because of how hard we have worked to get to this point.
With the search for purpose growing and all those doors open in-house, the big question becomes: how do you decide which one you walk through?
Energy givers & energy drainers
Finding your purpose doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not something that appears in a performance review or a job title, nor will an opportunity that fully aligns just land on your lap. It’s something you discover through experience, constant reflection and self-awareness.
A simple but powerful exercise to help with this is to note down what gives you energy and what drains you. Pay attention to how you feel after different types of work. Maybe you light up when you’re problem-solving with the business or helping shape strategy. Maybe drafting long documents leaves you feeling flat, or maybe that’s where you thrive. You should even jot things down as small as certain interactions, using certain tools or doing certain tasks at certain times. Just make sure to add anything at all that you notice lights you up or causes you to let out a big sigh.
Try this for 3 days. Over time, you’ll see that patterns will emerge. Those insights are clues to what you should be leaning into and what you might want to move away from. They can guide how you shape your role, the projects you volunteer for (or not) and even the direction of your next career move. Use this in your performance reviews to guide goal setting and manage expectations with your manager around what you are aiming to achieve.
Shape your career around what you want, not what others expect
In-house law covers a remit that is not understood by everyone. There are lots of myths that exist too, and many people have outdated views on what a legal career should look like in-house. Some lawyers become trusted commercial advisers, others specialise deeply in one area and some pivot into non-legal roles altogether. There’s no single “right” path, only the one that aligns with your energy givers, strengths and personal goals & values.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, looking at colleagues who seem to be moving faster or leaders who appear to have it all figured out. But remember, you are building your own version of success.
Shape your career in a way that works for you. That might mean focusing on:
becoming indispensable in a niche area;
broadening your skills to become a general counsel;
stepping sideways into something that plays to your curiosity or creativity; or
using your career to bolster entrepreneurial ventures.
Navigating workplace politics
Every organisation has its politics, hierarchies and shifting dynamics. As an in-house lawyer, you can sometimes find yourself being dragged into the middle of it all. Managing competing priorities while advising the business is more difficult than it sounds, especially when the stakeholders involved don’t always agree.
It can be easy to get drawn into the noise. But one of the healthiest things you can do for your career (and your sanity) is to focus on what you can control… your attitude, professionalism, and integrity.
Stay grounded and do your best work. Be known for your calmness and clarity, not for getting caught up in the politics. People notice when you lead with authenticity and that’s where your influence really grows. Remember your duties under the Code above all and maintain a reputation that you are proud of. In-house law is a small world!
Don’t care what others think
It’s natural to want validation from others. To a certain extent, you need this from peers, leadership and the business in order to be effective in your role. There’s a big ‘however’ here though, as business evolves fast. Leaders move on, teams restructure and new strategies emerge. If your sense of purpose depends entirely on external approval, you’ll find yourself constantly chasing a stability that doesn’t exist.
Instead, measure yourself against your own standards. Are you proud of the quality of your work? Are you learning, growing and adding value? Are you being the kind of lawyer and colleague you’d want to work with?
If the answer is yes, that’s what matters.
People and leaders will come and go. You’ll have to adapt and be resilient, and that’s expected. Purpose isn’t about standing still.. it means having a sense of direction that defines success for you personally, no matter where the road leads next.
Over to you…
Being an in-house lawyer can be an incredibly rewarding career if you approach it with intention. With so many opportunities to explore, the key is to build a career that fits you, not the other way around.
Take the time to reflect on what energises you. Shape your role around your strengths. Let go of politics and comparison. Do work you’re proud of and be bold with conversations around your development. The rest will follow!
Finding your purpose in law isn’t about the title on your email signature. It’s about knowing why you do what you do, and doing it with confidence and authenticity. Nobody else can do that for you, so it’s time to take control.