Navigating and Managing Your In-House Legal Career in Life Sciences: Insights from Industry Experts
In our latest LawCast, Life Science Law explored some essential guidance to those looking to build and thrive as an in-house lawyer or compliance professional within the life sciences industry. Hosted by Wendy Lloyd-Goodwin, founder of Life Science Law, and joined by Rebecca Clothier, a solicitor with over 20 years of experience leading legal teams within the pharmaceutical industry.
Rebecca has an extensive background, having worked in both private practice and in-house roles, allowing her to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to succeed in similar environments. Wendy and Rebecca discussed key strategies for managing a successful in-house legal career, including transitioning from private practice, understanding the industry, and positioning yourself for long-term career growth.
Transitioning from Private Practice to In-House: A Mindset Shift
One of the biggest challenges Rebecca faced early on was transitioning from private practice into an in-house legal role. As she explained, “It is a huge shift—not just in understanding the business you’ve just moved into, but also in adopting a new mindset. You move from purely legal approaches to finding pragmatic, business-oriented solutions to problems.”
In private practice, perfection and rigorous legal analysis are paramount, but in-house lawyers must balance that precision with practicality. “Not everything has to be perfect in-house,” she advises. “You need to learn to listen, be humble, and remember that you are not the person who knows the most about the business. The key is to see things the way the business sees them and provide your legal advice within that context.”
Becoming a Strategic Partner to the Business
Rebecca emphasises the importance of understanding the unique aspects of the life sciences industry, including the need to incorporate industry codes and regulations into legal advice. “It is critical to tailor your guidance to the realities the business faces,” she explains. “Knowing the acronyms and industry-specific terminology, like navigating an impenetrable castle, is essential. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask the business to explain the scientific rationale behind decisions.”
A vital piece of advice she shares for junior lawyers is to build close relationships with the medical teams. “The medics understand the science, and you need to work as partners. They will help deepen your understanding of the products and the industry.” This partnership is crucial not only for providing relevant legal advice but also for fostering a collaborative environment where challenges are tackled together.
Conquering the ‘Detached Lawyer’ Stereotype
In-house lawyers can often be seen as disconnected or unapproachable. Wendy is quick to point out the need to overcome this reputation. “Do not be the detached lawyer,” she says. “People often perceive us as unapproachable before we even open our mouths.”
It is so important to conquer those challenges together with your colleagues. You want your advice to be accepted, but to achieve that, you need to bring the business along with you. By active listening, proactive communication, and conveying legal advice in ways that are easy for non-lawyers to understand are vital skills.
Balancing Risk and Making Smart Decisions
A key part of in-house legal work is balancing risks. Rebecca explains that while private practice lawyers might present a black-and-white analysis of the law, in-house lawyers need to work within “shades of grey.” “You need to get to a place where you’re helping the business make smart, informed decisions. That often means explaining the risks but allowing the business to decide if they’re willing to take them.”
Managing expectations is also critical. Be clear on timelines and communicate them effectively. Things can’t be done instantly, and it’s okay to rely on others for assistance. These are skills we all need to develop.
Navigating Career Progression
One challenge many in-house legal professionals face is the limited opportunities for promotion, especially in smaller teams. It can be difficult to get promotions because there just aren’t that many senior roles in a small in-house team. But moving companies isn’t always the right answer.
Rebecca suggests focusing on what you can do within your current role to position yourself for success. “Ask yourself, what do I need to do to be seen as the number one candidate for the role I want? Don’t be afraid to think about what you love doing, rather than assuming the next step in your career must be a predefined path.”
Building Your Brand and Network
When asked for a key piece of advice for those entering the life sciences sector, Rebecca stresses the importance of building your personal brand and network. “Learn to market yourself, not in a showy way, but in a way that builds trust and demonstrates your expertise over time. Make good connections and network. These relationships can be invaluable to your long-term career success.”
Navigating a legal career in the life sciences sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. As Rebecca’s experience shows, success lies in transitioning your mindset from pure legal analysis to a more holistic, business-focused approach. Building relationships, understanding industry specifics, managing risks, and growing your personal brand are all essential steps in this journey.
We hope that these insights have provided practical advice and inspiration for managing your in-house legal career. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please reach out to us at Life Science Law events@lslawservices.com. Your story could be featured in a future episode.
https://www.lslawservices.com/podcasts/managing-your-career-in-house/