Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Gardening leave definition

What does Gardening leave mean? Gardening leave is the period during which an employer requires an employee who has given or received notice to stay away from work while remaining employed, paid and subject to contract. During garden leave the employee usually must be available, observe duties of fidelity and confidentiality, not contact clients or colleagues, return company property, and not work for a competitor or start a new role. It is not a statutory term; it is a contractual device recognised in case law and used consistently across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Its purpose is to protect confidential...

First week in-house: practical guide and checklist for sole counsel and legal team joiners

Published by a LexisNexis In-house Advisor expert

Practice notes

Stepping into a fresh position can feel intimidating, particularly when moving into an unfamiliar organisation and adapting to the contrasts between private practice and an in-house setting. Above all, try not to worry. Provided you are not instantly swept into back-to-back meetings, use your opening week to understand the workplace, your line manager, and the wider team. Should your calendar start to fill quickly, ring-fence a few hours each day to cover the fundamentals—an investment that will reward you many times over later on. This Practice Note is for lawyers beginning an in-house post. It targets sole counsel but will equally apply if you are entering an established legal department. Its purpose is to offer practical guidance on settling into your position and to outline steps to take during week one. It also seeks to reassure you if reality is not quite what was presented at interview, or does not align with how you think things ought to be. Whether you are the only lawyer or joining a group, the focus is on building confidence and finding your feet. Expect to pace yourself, prioritise and lean on tips as a starting point. It should be read alongside Practice Note: Finding...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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