The Right Work Culture for In-House Lawyers

Looking for the perfect work culture fit can be challenging, especially when you're an in-house legal professional. It's important to pay close attention during your job interviews and not just focus on what a company has to offer - it’s equally important that they meet YOUR needs too! Are there certain questions or red flags you should look out for? Absolutely! Let’s explore those now, so you know exactly how to spot potential bad apples before committing yourself.

What Should I Look For?

When looking for a work culture that suits your needs, certain key factors should be taken into consideration. Here are some things you should look for and actively chase:

• A supportive environment - A workplace that encourages collaboration and communication between colleagues is essential to promoting a healthy and productive atmosphere. Taking it one step further, look for roles that emphasize communication between legal and the key departments with whom they work, such as sales, finance, and procurement. 
• Career growth - A company that offers many opportunities for career advancement will ensure that you continue to grow professionally and personally in your role. Companies that offer mentorship programs or have dedicated teams focused on training and development are a great place to start. 
• Work/life balance - It's no secret that lawyers struggle to find enough time off from their demanding jobs in order to maintain an appropriate level of work/life balance. To ensure that you're able to take full advantage of all the benefits of your job without sacrificing personal time, look out for employers who promote flexible working hours and other initiatives designed to support their employees' well-being.
• Compensation - Of course, it's important to consider compensation when looking for the right work culture fit. Make sure you research average salaries within the industry before committing to any particular role so that you know you're getting paid fairly based on your experience and qualifications. 
  

Red Flags You Should Avoid

Just as it’s important to recognize which qualities make up a good workplace culture, it’s equally important—if not more so—to be aware of any potential red flags that may indicate a less-than-ideal workplace. Here are some signs you should watch out for: 

• Unclear expectations – If an employer wants their employees to meet certain expectations consistently throughout their employment, it is critical to establish those clear expectations from day one. If during the interview process there seems confusion or lack of clarity about what is expected from employees, it could be indicative of future issues down the line if hired on by this employer.  
• Unprofessional behavior – If during interviews or interactions with current employees within this organization there is evidence of unprofessionalism such as gossiping about colleagues or inappropriate jokes being made, then this could point at a negative overall attitude within this company’s employee base which you may want to steer clear from joining altogether.
• Poor communication – Without effective communication between management and its staff members, any organization can quickly fall apart. Due diligence here will go a long way towards protecting yourself against potential mishaps later down the line.  

Finding the right work culture is essential when searching for an in-house legal position. Your success depends on both your skillset and how well those skills fit into your chosen workplace setting. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what environment will help set you up for success. Take these criteria into consideration before making any final decisions. Good luck!