If you want to land your first in-house legal role at the start of 2026, the time to start is now.
I’ve helped hundreds of lawyers make successful transitions from law firms to in-house positions. Here’s the month-by-month playbook you can follow, starting today, to set yourself up for success.
July: Research and Set Your Target
- Use LinkedIn to research the paths of people in your ultimate dream role (for example, general counsel of a tech company). How long were they in private practice? What was their first in-house role?
- Set a short-term goal (such as becoming M&A counsel at a later-stage startup).
- Determine whether you currently have the right experience and seniority to qualify for that short-term goal. If not, make a plan to acquire it before launching your job search.
August: Get Visible and Build Connections
- Update your LinkedIn profile and resume.
- Talk to as many people as you can who currently hold your desired job.
- Let relevant connections know you are interested in moving in-house, so they can send you leads.
- Set up saved job searches on LinkedIn and relevant job boards.
- Continue networking and learning about the opportunities that exist, adjusting your target role as you go.
September: Start Applying
- Apply for jobs, using a customized resume and cover letter for each one.
- Conduct targeted networking for every job you apply to.
October: Prepare for Interviews
- Thoroughly prepare for every interview — including the initial screening call with the internal recruiter.
November: Negotiate Your Offer
- Negotiate your compensation package and start date.
December: Finalize Your Exit
- Collect your year-end bonus.
January: Make the Move
- Give the required notice to your firm and start your new in-house role!
It’s Not Too Early to Start
Transitioning from private practice to an in-house role is one of the most exciting — and challenging — career moves a lawyer can make. With the right preparation, strategy, and timing, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding next chapter. Starting early gives you the space to be intentional, explore your options thoughtfully, and make a move that aligns with your long-term goals.
