The skills in-house counsel need are changing. What once sufficed in private practice is no longer enough in the in-house world as rapid change, increased business demands, distributed workforces, global regulatory pressures and the pandemic combine to present new and unique challenges. Fortunately the team at ZyLab has put together a piece with their thoughts on how to improve your skillset for the future. Constantly assessing your skills and looking for gaps that you can fill will not only make you more valuable to your organization, but will enhance your career prospects considerably. The more you can become and remain indispensable the better off you will be. In many cases, adding to your skillset is something to plan for and execute on a daily basis, but in others you have to set out a long term plan and make sure you budget your time to include your own personal growth.
“For many years, in-house counsel, also called corporate counsel, were hired based solely on their legal acumen. The only things that mattered were their length of practice and the breadth of that experience. But, in recent years, and especially with the rise of digitization, the role of lawyers in corporate legal departments has shifted. In-house counsel who want to excel can no longer rest on their expertise. In these disruptive times, in-house counsel need a new set of skills that enable them to serve as their clients’ trusted advisor. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of in-house counsel, including how that role has transitioned over time and how it differs from the role of attorneys in private practice. We’ll also discuss five key skills that in-house counsel should develop to ensure that they are well-prepared to serve their company in the future….The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the practice of law isn’t getting any easier. It’s critical that in-house lawyers start developing the essential skills—technological competence, emotional intelligence, clear communication, creativity, and learning agility—that will prepare them to practice law in a constantly evolving environment.”
Read: 5 Essential Skills In-House Counsel Need for the Future at JDSupra