Working in-house has perhaps never been considered the cutting edge of the legal profession, but columnist Janet Hood puts forward a very good case as to why starting a legal career in-house offers young lawyers a great grouding in the profession. Here she reflects on her own career as young in-house lawyer at a local authority and gives some thoughts on what makes a first rate in-house lawyer in today’s world.

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When I was a slip of a lass I decided I wanted to work in house. In local authority. Shock horror! My father was revived with several glasses of  decent malt. My mother said I might be cut off and my friends... well! Are you mad? That’s for losers! For goodness sake pull yourself together Janet and join the real world.

Well I didn’t join their real world – I entered mine and very glad I am too.  

First off I was asked to help in a major planning enquiry. To tell the truth I was thrilled. Studying planning law at Edinburgh had lead me down this path in the first place. My training  master Robert Loughridge and his fantastic team at Aberdeen City Council took great pains to ensure I was included  and educated every step of the way.

I was introduced to the relevant Councillors, I worked with internal clients, I met the opposition. I studied.

My opinions were sought and amazingly listened to if not always acted upon. The matter eventually ended up in the House of Lords - where I sat enthralled (and somewhat scared) taking - what I am sure - were awful notes – however I was learning just  how BIG in house law can be.

I moved from the city to Stonehaven where I learned my trade covering along the way dreaded - for me – council house sales, I was never cut out to be a conveyancer- and developed a pash for licensing law and also advised on planning, environmental law, access to the countryside, IT and commercial planning contracts  and of course general committee work where speed and accuracy are the watchwords.

Again Keith Jones my Director encouraged me to spread my wings, take part on the licensing circuit and eventually permitted my to take up some licensing consultancy for a niche firm in Edinburgh.

Heady times – obviously I could not advise on any matter likely to come before my Board.  

I was also greatly helped and encouraged by some wonderful private practitioners who took the time to talk to me, to mentor me and to be there when I needed expert help. The still missed Sandy Carle, Tony Dawson, Mike Taylor of Aberdeen and of course Jack Cummins  licensing lawyer to the stars!

What do you need to be In House in local authority? A sound knowledge of the law. A desire to serve the public. The strength to give appropriate legal advice sometimes under extreme political pressure. The ability to work in a very challenging environment where praise is scanty and where blame can be liberally spread.  

The courage to take decisions – you require to be risk aware but never risk averse. You need to be able to support your colleagues and internal clients. Law is not your only job! I would certainly advise getting involved with project teams, management teams, advisory committees. Why? To learn about the business of the local authority. Amazingly our brains are not hard wired to enable us only to consider law. We can learn about everything from the flooding  to rubbish collection; from IT provision to the management of care homes and the layout of planting in industrial estates. Knowledge of the actualities of your client’s day job greatly enhances your  ability to draft appropriate contracts and service level agreements.

You are employed to drive forward the business of your in-house clients. They are not interested in that fantastic clause you drafted in the wind farm contract. They want to know that the wind farm will be developed with appropriate consideration for the public. Keep the law to yourself and your legal colleagues.

Getting ahead. It is sad that fewer and fewer Chief Executives are lawyers? Why is this? I believe we have to prove we can run the business. Get the appropriate training. MBA needed? Do it. But more importantly get involved. Learn your trade. Develop your clients business and prove you are the ONE.

Remember. This is the real world. The work you carry out in local authority affects every life. Huge, interesting and complex  commercial work is carried on in-house. Be part of it. Develop your skills. Ad Summa Tendendum - reach for the heights.