Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Successor in-house lawyer handover: essential checklist for access, outstanding matters, contracts, IP, external counsel, budget, know-how, reporting and service of documents

Published by a LexisNexis In-house Advisor expert

Checklists

Where you are taking over your role from someone else and you are offered a handover

Make the most of any chance to connect with your predecessor—even a short telephone call can be invaluable. Even minimal contact can surface practical pointers and context you might otherwise miss. This Checklist is for new in-house lawyers joining an organisation to replace the organisation’s previous in-house lawyer. It highlights key areas to address during any handover, however brief, and should be read alongside Practice Note: Taking up a new role in-house—replacing a previous in-house lawyer. Use what you hear to shape your immediate focus, not to constrain your judgement.

That said, the position is now yours and you need not feel compelled to continue exactly as before. There are always several ways to approach matters and you should leave your own imprint on the role. Build on what was handled effectively in the past and, where it is apparent that certain elements were not operating as they should, be ready to act promptly to make changes. If your predecessor is remaining within the business in a different post, you may need to proceed with care...

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Web page updated on 20/05/2026

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