If you are reading this, it is likely because you have landed that new gig as an in-house lawyer (congrats!) or you are looking to make a switch to an in-house role. Whether you are coming from private practice, fresh out of law school, or making a lateral move to a new company, the learning curve as an in-house lawyer is steep. That does not mean, however, that you cannot conquer it! As I reflect on my first year as an in-house contracts lawyer, here is what I have learned along the way:
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Foster Strong Relationships
Get to know your internal clients, such as business and finance, compliance, or marketing teams. Set up initial meetings with your key contacts to understand what they need from you as their lawyer. What has worked in the past? What would they like to change? How can you help them meet their goals? Developing these relationships will allow you to better prioritize your work, manage expectations, and build your network of resources.
Do it early, if you can! These days, most in-house roles are remote and it is easy to get lost in numerous lengthy and tactless emails. Call your counterparty or internal client and ask them questions, discuss your opinion(s), and then work on the issue. This approach has helped me immensely in my negotiations. I often come off the call with a better understanding of the project, why a particular position is taken, and which terms are most important. Ultimately, it reduces the amount of time and the number of times I have to review the agreement.
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